Definitions & Context
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Indigenous Data Sovereignty (or, Indigenous Data Governance) is the concept which asserts that Indigenous peoples have an inherent right to control the data and information associated with their cultural and intellectual heritage, knowledge systems, protocol and practices, lands, resources, and lifeways.
Indigenous nations maintain the right to self-determine the parameters of what, when, where, why, and how their data is collected, stored, accessed, and shared.
The Importance of Data Sovereignty
Indigenous Data Sovereignty ensures:
● the self-determination of Indigenous communities
● the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage and knowledge systems
● ethical data collection and dissemination by and for Indigenous communities
● equitable and accessible representation of Indigenous peoples and experiences
For Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Within so-called Canada, the data of Indigenous peoples has been historically over-collected with varying degrees of effort made towards quality and consistency. Critical data has also been made inaccessible to Indigenous communities in acts of ongoing colonial violence.
Not only is this a weaponization of data, but this also creates complex issues for communities and individuals, especially as it pertains to the reporting processes required by the federal government to access funding and other services.