Question 1

What is digital sovereignty?

Accepted Answer

Digital sovereignty is the ability to make informed and effective decisions about data, systems, infrastructure, administrators, vendors, access, security, and technology direction. For First Nations, it is connected to self-determination and information governance.

Question 2

Is data sovereignty only about server location?

Accepted Answer

No. Location matters, but sovereignty also involves ownership, control, access, possession, contracts, administrators, policies, portability, staff capacity, backups, and decision-making authority.

Question 3

Does Nîkânî Systems replace Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. Some clients may choose a gradual migration, a hybrid environment, or better governance within existing tools. We recommend change only where it supports the Nation’s goals.

Question 4

Do you sell or resell a specific collaboration product?

Accepted Answer

No. Nîkânî Systems is not a product reseller. We help Nations strengthen control over their information through assessment, secure collaboration environments, migration, governance, training, and long-term support. Public conversations focus on outcomes—control, continuity, access, and capacity—not on promoting a particular vendor stack. Implementation details are discussed privately once we understand your governance, risks, and priorities.

Question 5

Where will our data be stored?

Accepted Answer

Where information lives is decided with your Nation. Options may include Nation-owned infrastructure, a client-approved hosted environment, a hybrid model, or First Nations-owned infrastructure where available. The goal is informed control—not locking you into an opaque vendor arrangement.

Question 6

Does Nîkânî Systems own client data?

Accepted Answer

No. Client agreements should clearly recognize the client’s ownership and authority over its information. Nîkânî may require limited administrative access to deliver agreed services, subject to contract, confidentiality, security controls, and documented responsibilities.

Question 7

Can we export our information?

Accepted Answer

Portability should be a core design goal. The exact export process depends on the system and contract, but clients should receive clear information about formats, procedures, costs, and timelines.

Question 8

Do we need to move everything at once?

Accepted Answer

No. We recommend starting with a priority area, department, project, archive, or pilot where that approach reduces risk.

Question 9

Can you migrate our existing files?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to assessment. Migration may involve cleanup, organization, permission design, testing, user communication, and validation.

Question 10

Do you provide training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Training may be provided to users, administrators, leadership, and department teams.

Question 11

Do you provide ongoing support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recurring managed support is central to the business model.

Question 12

Are you OCAP® certified?

Accepted Answer

OCAP® is a registered trademark of the First Nations Information Governance Centre. Nîkânî Systems is not an OCAP® certifying body. Our work is intended to support stronger First Nations information governance and to be informed by the First Nations principles of OCAP®.

Question 13

Can you build custom applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where discovery confirms that an existing solution cannot appropriately meet the need. We prefer adapting proven approaches before custom development when they fit your governance and workflows.

Question 14

Do you work only in Saskatchewan?

Accepted Answer

Saskatchewan is the initial focus. The longer-term intention is to serve First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada.

Question 15

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on the number of users, migration complexity, storage, hosting approach, security requirements, training, support, travel, and custom work. Many engagements can begin with a fixed-scope readiness assessment or departmental pilot.

Question 16

How do we begin?

Accepted Answer

Begin with a conversation about the information, workflow, risk, or system causing the greatest concern. We will help determine whether an assessment, pilot, migration, or other service is the right first step.

Common Questions

Still Have Questions?

What is digital sovereignty?+

Is data sovereignty only about server location?+

Does Nîkânî Systems replace Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?+

Do you sell or resell a specific collaboration product?+

Where will our data be stored?+

Does Nîkânî Systems own client data?+

Can we export our information?+

Do we need to move everything at once?+

Can you migrate our existing files?+

Do you provide training?+

Do you provide ongoing support?+

Are you OCAP® certified?+

Can you build custom applications?+

Do you work only in Saskatchewan?+

How much does it cost?+

How do we begin?+

Still Have Questions?