Definitions:
The definitions for Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Indigenous Data Governance, and Indigenous Data included in this statement were developed together by national Indigenous Data Sovereignty networks globally and the Global Indigenous Data Alliance, and are adopted by the Indigenous Sentinels Network. These definitions are cited by Yoorrook Justice Commission and can be found here: Yoorrook Justice Commission (2022) ‘Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Data Governance’, Information Sheet
Data Sovereignty is the right of Indigenous Peoples to own, control, access, and possess data that derive from them, and which pertain to their members, knowledge systems, customs, resources, or territories (Kukutai & Taylor 2016; Snipp 2016).
Indigenous Data Governance (Indigenous Data Stewardship) is the enactment of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and refers to the mechanisms that support Indigenous decision-making regarding how data are controlled, collected, interpreted, accessed, stored, and used (Walter et al. 2020).
Indigenous Data refers to information, in any format, that is about Indigenous Peoples, knowledge systems, customs, resources, or territories or that impacts Indigenous lives at the collective and/or individual level (Rainie et al. 2019; Lovett et al. 2019).
IDSov Statement:
Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) is a global movement that addresses the ongoing systemic injustice that is data from and about Indigenous Peoples being collected, controlled, decontextualized, owned, shared, and miscommunicated by outside entities (citation needed). IDSov “is the right of Indigenous Peoples to own, control, access and possess data that derive from them, and which pertain to their members, knowledge systems, customs, resources or territories” (Kukutai & Taylor 2016; Snipp 2016). The Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) is built to work within and support the global movement of IDSov as a data management system that keeps Indigenous data in the ownership and contexts of Indigenous Peoples. Any “information, in any format, that is about Indigenous Peoples, knowledge systems, customs, resources or territories or that impacts Indigenous lives at the collective and/or individual level” (Rainie et al. 2019; Lovett et al. 2019) is considered Indigenous data and therefore the inherent property of those Indigenous Peoples and must be within their ownership, control, access, and possession, including any sharing of said data.
The Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) operationalizes IDSov through practices of Indigenous Data Governance as “the enactment of Indigenous Data Sovereignty referring to the mechanisms that support Indigenous decision-making on how data are controlled, collected, interpreted, accessed, stored, and used” (Walter et al. 2020). The mechanism in question for operationalizing IDSov is the ISN software infrastructure and built-in multi-level privacy protections through our database technology. All users of ISN are inherent owners of their data. The data entered into the ISN applications and uploaded to the ISN Database Platform are wholly owned by the Network User and can only be used in the ways outlined in the Network Agreements and End User Agreements that are shared with project Administrators at the start of the monitoring programs. The ISN database is a private database only accessible to Users of ISN with express allowances. Through the settings within the ISN app, an Administrator may designate the extent to which user wishes to share data with internal and external project partners. Administrators may, in their sole discretion, invite others to view or download user data. By extending such an invitation, Administrator(s) retain all responsibility to obtain End User consent to disclose shared information. No data held on ISN is accessible to users outside of those specific programs unless designated by the appropriate ISN Administrator(s). Each data collection Program is managed by the designated Organization, Community, or Program Administrator. Multiple layers of Administrative roles and capabilities have been built into the ISN system for further Indigenous Data Governance and control over who, within a data collection program, has access to what data, including external and internal program partners.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty is the right for Indigenous Peoples to own, control, and access their data but also to use them as resources and tools of governance; to make decisions for themselves and their community based on their knowledge systems and align with their cultural values (Tsosie 2019).
The International Indigenous Data Sovereignty Interest Group (within the Research Data Alliance) is a network of nation-state based Indigenous data sovereignty networks and individuals that developed the ‘CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance’ (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, scholars, non-profit organizations, and governments. The CARE Principles are people and purpose-oriented, reflecting the crucial role of data in advancing innovation, governance, and self-determination among Indigenous Peoples. The Principles complement the existing data-centric approach represented in the ‘FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship’ (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). The CARE Principles build upon earlier work by the Te Mana Raraunga Maori Data Sovereignty Network, US Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network, Maiam nayri Wingara Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Sovereignty Collective, and numerous Indigenous Peoples, nations, and communities. The goal is that stewards and other users of Indigenous data will ‘Be FAIR and CARE.’
More information can be found at: https://www.gida-global.org/care
Account Deletion is initiated by clicking a button in the Settings section of each app to initiate the process of deleting a user’s entire account record and associated personal data from an Indigenous Sentinel Network (ISN) app program. The account deletion process is done manually and takes approximately one week and users are informed when the process is completed. ACSPI ISN administrators may request that users reply to an email message to verify that they have actually initiated the process on purpose. Under some special circumstances, users may be contacted by an ISN AWC representative.
Metadata is data that provides information about other data, such as the author, date created, file type, and other relevant details. It helps organize, find, and understand data by offering context and description. Labeling metadata can enhance this process by categorizing and tagging information accurately, making it easier to manage and retrieve. In the context of a Local Contexts Webinar, labeling can ensure that cultural and contextual information is properly attributed, supporting data sovereignty and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty is crucial because it empowers Indigenous communities to control and govern the data about their lands, resources, and people. This ensures that the data is used in ways that align with their cultural values and priorities, enhancing self-determination and informed decision-making. By having authority over their data, Indigenous peoples can make more accurate and relevant management decisions that benefit their communities, protect their resources, and preserve their cultural heritage.
Data and knowledge has power. Collecting and managing data effectively is also vital for governance because it provides a foundation for evidence-based decision making. Access to accurate and relevant data helps leaders understand the needs and conditions of their communities, identify trends, and develop strategies that promote sustainable development and well-being. It also ensures transparency and accountability, fostering trust and collaboration.
More information at: https://www.gida-global.org/data-rights
