Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Indigenous-led processes and partnerships are essential when conducting research with First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations and data.
Historically, Indigenous communities have not benefited from research projects that use Indigenous data. When the majority of researchers come from non-Indigenous contexts, research priorities may not reflect the needs of Indigenous communities or may reinforce and perpetuate harmful beliefs that stigmatize Indigenous people. Following the study, they may not have access to research results and thus are unable to apply the findings to their own community. Indigenous-driven uses of Indigenous data allow communities to prioritize research that aligns with their needs and values, and ensure that their data are not exploited.
Indigenous data and identifiers include:
- Registries (e.g., Indian Registry System, Métis Citizenship Registry)
- Self-identifiers (e.g., survey data with identifiers)
- Geographic identifiers (e.g. postal codes or residence codes on reserve)
- Indigenous-specific datasets (e.g., survey or health service delivery data)
- Any data which may identify (directly or indirectly) any of the following: (i) First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities (ii) First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people (iii) Indigenous (or Aboriginal) people or communities.
First Nations Information Governance Centre. April 2014
Barriers and Levers for the Implementation of OCAP™Animikii. June 7, 2019
Contextualizing Indigenous Data SovereigntyAnimikii. July 23, 2019
Data’s Role in Indigenous Data SovereigntyAnimikii. Nov. 11, 2022
#DataBack: Asserting and supporting Indigenous data sovereigntyFirst Nations Information Governance Centre
The First Nations Principles of OCAP®First Nations Information Governance Centre. May 23, 2014
Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP™): The Path to First Nations Information GovernanceTruth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. 2015
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to ActionUnited Nations. 2007
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples