The Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL) welcomes the opportunity for dialogue and coordination with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and other Indigenous leaders following the adoption of Resolution #11 at the AFN Annual General Assembly in September 2025.

The PCGL remains firmly committed to upholding the principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession), the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2 – Chapter 9). These commitments guide all PCGL activities and partnerships involving Indigenous data and participation.

To ensure ongoing, meaningful, and respectful engagement with all Indigenous communities, the PCGL has, since its inception, planned to establish an Indigenous Genetics Circle (IGC). This advisory group, comprising Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community members, academic professionals, healthcare practitioners, patient partners, and international Indigenous genomics experts, will provide guidance on existing and emerging issues that require Indigenous expertise.

Policies and procedures related to Indigenous data access are being developed and will receive guidance from the IGC, the Silent Genomes Governance Committee, Indigenous team members and PCGL’s Oversight Board. PCGL is committed to respecting Indigenous principles and practices, including Indigenous Data sovereignty-based governance models.