This resource list primarily targets staff of libraries, archives, and data repositories. The following materials work to uphold Indigenous Data Sovereignty and mitigate harm to Indigenous Peoples, and deconstruct the harmful colonial practices inherent in our data infrastructures and information systems.
We intend to equip information professionals with the necessary knowledge, principles, protocols, and tools to uphold the sovereignty and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples regarding their data, information, and identity. It is crucial to acknowledge the interconnectedness of all stages of the data life cycle to help preserve Indigenous Peoples’ authority and rights throughout the process. We’ve curated resources to assist libraries, information professionals and data repositories in:
- Understanding the context behind the need for developing protocols that are unique to Indigenous peoples
- Familiarizing with the concepts that are foundational to Indigenous data sovereignty and governance
- Operating under principles that prioritize and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in relation to their data
- Implementing data management protocols for Indigenous knowledge (with a focus on qualitative data)
Foundations
Joining the Circle: An Indigenous 101 Toolkit (University of Toronto Libraries, n.d.)
Developed by Jamie Lee Morin with contributions from Desmond Wong, for the University of Toronto Libraries. Introduces land acknowledgements, key concepts, terminology, and further resources. Includes a section on information authority, building relationships, and solidarity library work. Created with the intention to encourage interest in developing Indigenous cultural competency for staff in academic and university libraries.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty: Towards an Agenda (T. Kukutai and J. Taylor, 2016)
A varied group of predominantly Indigenous contributors present case studies that illustrate the challenges and opportunities involved in the realm of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. These range from Indigenous communities grappling with issues of identity, governance and development, to national governments and NGOs seeking to formulate a response to Indigenous demands for data ownership.
ASU School of Social Transformation: Indigenous Data Sovereignty (Arizona State University, 2018)
Video recorded seminar hosted by Arizona State University’s School of Social Transformation. Presents the rationale for Indigenous data sovereignty and governance as well as outlines how this now global, Indigenous-led movement is engaging in a reinvention of the processes and practices associated with Indigenous data. Presenters include: Maggie Walter [palawa] (PhD); Stephanie Carroll Rainie [Ahtna Athabascan, citizen of the Native Village of Kluti Kaah in Alaska] (Dr.PH, MPH)
Nindokiikayencikewin: to seek learning or Knowledges, Indigenous Knowledges & Data Governance Protocol (Indigenous Innovation Initiative, 2021)
This resource is based on a comprehensive literature review and the knowledges and teachings from elders and knowledge keepers from across Canada. It is guided by shared First Nation, Inuit and Metis Values and Principles related to Indigenous Knowledges creation and application. Nindokiikayencikewin (meaning to seek learning or knowledges in Ojibway) is the sacred name of this protocol. Offers key terms, concepts and frameworks relating to Indigenous knowledge creation and stewardship in a way that makes them understandable to multiple user groups. Also provides is an appendix of additional protocols, policies, and guidelines across the world.
Principles
FAIR: Guidelines established in 2016 to improve the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse of digital assets. Principles emphasize machine actionability, the capacity of computer systems to find, access, interoperate, and reuse data with little or no human intervention.
- FAIR Principles (Go FAIR, 2016)
CARE: The principles of Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics) emerged in 2020. These principles are people and purpose-oriented, reflecting the crucial role of data in advancing Indigenous innovation and self-determination. These principles complement the existing FAIR principles encouraging open and other data movements to consider both people and purpose in their advocacy and pursuits. [Source: Global Indigenous Data Alliance]
- CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Carroll et al., 2020)
- Using Indigenous Standards to Implement the CARE Principles: Setting Expectations through Tribal Research Codes (Carroll et al., 2022)
- CARE Data Principles Primer (Carroll et al., 2023)
- CARE Self-Assessment Tool [Pilot Version, Oct. 2023]
TRUST: Transparency, Responsibility, User focus, Sustainability and Technology. The TRUST Principles provide a common framework to facilitate discussion and implementation of best practice in digital preservation by all stakeholders. Repositories must earn the trust of the communities they intend to serve and demonstrate that they are reliable and capable of appropriately managing the data they hold.
- The TRUST Principles for digital repositories (D. Lin et al., 2020)
Principles (Geographically Specific)
Principles of Māori Data Sovereignty (est. 2018) were developed by Te Mana Raraunga (TMR) Māori Data Sovereignty Network, an organization that advocates for the realization of Māori rights and interests in data, and for the ethical use of data to enhance the wellbeing of their people, language and culture.
The First Nations Principles of OCAP (est. 1998) defined how First Nations’ data and information will be collected, protected, used, or shared. Standing for ownership, control, access and possession, OCAP is a tool to support strong information governance on the path to First Nations data sovereignty. Given the diversity within and across Nations, the principles will be expressed and asserted in line with a Nation’s respective world view, traditional knowledge, and protocols.
Indigenous Research Principles & Methodologies
Indigenizing Research: A Resource Guide for Indigenous Peoples. Academics and Policy Makers (Co-Creation of Indigenous Water Quality Tools, 2020)
Research guide created with the purpose of fostering dialogue between Indigenous peoples, academics, and policy-makers concerning methods utilized by research. The resource guide is expected to be accessible both to Indigenous community and activists; along with researchers, policymakers and academics, respecting the agency of Indigenous peoples.
The Six Rs of Indigenous Research (R.L. Tsosie, et al., 2022)
A conceptual framework that identifies respect, relationship, representation, relevance, responsibility, and reciprocity as integral principles and guidelines for Indigenous and decolonial research methodologies. Builds on the extensive work of Indigenous scholars who brought these principles into the realm of academia and further explains the processes for their implementation.
Documenting Traditional Knowledge (TK): A Toolkit (World Intellectual Property Organization, 2017)
Practical guidance on how to undertake a TK documentation and practical guidance on key issues that need to be considered before, during, and after documenting TK. Addresses the following questions: What is TK documentation? How can TK be documented? What laws and/or regulations need to be considered? Further explores Traditional Knowledge in the context of the Public Domain and Intellectual Property law. Offers various case studies and worksheets (see page 19) for researchers to reflect on their plans for documenting TK from Indigenous peoples. Annex #2 is about documenting traditional cultural expressions (TCEs).
Consent Forms, Agreements, & Memorandums for Indigenous Data
Data Deposit License Agreement (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Data Archive, n.d.)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Archive (ATSIDA) is a specialized research data archive that supports the sovereign rights of First Nations people to maintain, control, protect and develop their knowledges and representations. The Data License Agreement sets out terms and conditions necessary for the data to enter ATSIDA custody, and specifies the legal rights retained by the depositor and other key stakeholders. These rights include Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property and Moral rights. Their agreement enables Indigenous people to exercise ownership, control, and active involvement in what happens to the data. Their webinar video on Licensing the safekeeping of Indigenous Research data at ATSIDA provides a QR code to the agreement. ATSIDA also provides community case studies relating to specific contexts, which include: community deposit requests, stewarding Indigenous knowledge present in university files and student research, offering assistance in the design of in grant funded research, and institutional collaboration.
Indigenous Data Toolkit: Contracts & Submissions (Data Governance & Management Toolkit, 2021)
This document consolidates and discusses the different types of contracts used in data governance and management projects involving Self-Governing Indigenous Governments (SGIGs). Provides contract templates that can be used freely and suggests practical ways to effectively manage your contracts.
Best Practices for American Indian and Alaska Native Data Collection (UIHI, 2020)
Information on best practices for methods to collect, analyze, and present data on AI/AN populations created by Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI), a Tribal Epidemiology Center. These best practices recommendations are grounded in and stem from Indigenous values and practices.
MOU between Northwest Regional Tribes and The University of Washington (2010)
Memorandum of Understanding between a state agency (public university) and the regional tribes whose lands and territories the institution is built on. Defines protocols, terms, principles and expectations between all parties in maintaining an ongoing relationship, in addition to recognizing the sovereignty and self-determination of the Indigenous tribes involved.
Principles and Models for Data Sharing Agreements with AI/AN communities (Victoria Warren-Mears, 2012)
This resource provides guidance for researchers and their tribal partners on how to develop data sharing agreements. Primary elements of this document include: (1) Discussion of tribal sovereignty over research and the history of research in tribal communities; (2) Ethical principles for conducting research with tribal nations; (3) Principles and models for data sharing; (4) Model data sharing agreements, a template (p.7-25), and a tribal resolution for establishing a data repository. The document dedicates a section to “Research Agreements” (p. 13-15), that provides guidance on key components of research agreements regarding Indigenous data, a suggested outline for drafting your own, and a template for this kind of agreement in their appendix section.
Framework for a Data Sharing Agreement (Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre, n.d.)
Made in partnership with legal counsel Krista Yao of Nadjiwan Law, this community template is designed for the development of a First Nation data sharing agreement. This template and guideline of considerations can be used when developing your own data sharing agreement. This document serves to outline factors to consider and include, but is not limited to.
Citation & Attribution in Writing about Indigenous Peoples
The following resources offer guidance to common questions and issues relating to writing about Indigenous peoples. Touches on principles and advice on culturally appropriate citation and publishing practices.
Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing by and about Indigenous Peoples (Gregory Younging [Opaskwayak Cree Nation], 2018)
Offers Indigenous writers and editors—and everyone creating works about Indigenous Peoples—the first published guide to common questions and issues of style and process. Includes: 22 succinct style principles; Advice on culturally appropriate publishing practices, including how to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, when and how to seek the advice of Elders, and how to respect Indigenous Oral Traditions and Traditional Knowledge; Terminology to use and to avoid; Advice on specific editing issues, such as biased language, capitalization, and quoting from historical sources and archives. Case studies of projects that illustrate best practices.
More Than Personal Communication: Templates For Citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers (Lorisia MacLeod [James Smith Cree Nation], 2021)
Citation templates for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers that was created in partnership with the staff of the NorQuest Indigenous Student Centre.
Indigenous Data Literacy, Management, and Sharing
Resources that consider the unique needs of Indigenous data ingest process and life cycle (collection, processing, storage, analysis, and management). The following materials highlight the importance of setting access permissions, policies, and restrictions for Indigenous data.
Empowering Indigenous Peoples and Knowledge Systems Related to Climate Change and Intellectual Property Rights [Data Management Plan] (Cath Traynor, 2017)
An exemplary data management plan drafted for a research project involving Indigenous peoples and knowledge systems. This can be used as a template on how to describe and document a research project’s data collection; metadata; storage and backup; preservation; sharing and reuse; responsibilities and resources; ethics and legal compliance
Te Mana Raraunga: Māori Data Sovereignty Network – Data Audit Tool (Te Mana Raraunga, 2016)
An assessment questionnaire to help repositories that hold Māori data assess their readiness to address the principles of Te Mana Raraunga.
Data Sharing In Research With American Indians And Alaska Natives: Informed Practices, Considerations, And Case Studies (PRIM&R and the National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Center, 2018)
Webinar + Q&A covering approaches for operationalizing data sharing arrangements in research with AI/AN populations.
NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing:
In developing the DMS Policy, NIH engaged Tribal Nations, Tribal Leaders, AI/AN organizations and community members, researchers, institutions, data providers and users, research participants, infrastructure developers, and others for their perspectives and input to support a robust data sharing ecosystem that prioritizes responsible data sharing and management practices and promotes stewardship of scientific data. Read more about the NIH Tribal Consultation Report in their Draft Policy for Data Management & Sharing.
Metadata Documentation & Curation of Indigenous Data
Pre-Curation Actions (from CARE Data Primer 2023)
Outlines the key pieces of information needed from (1) researchers to understand how the CARE principles have been integrated into the research project and its resulting data; and (2) data curators before publishing Indigenous data in a repository.
Troubleshooting and Checklist for Data Curators (from CARE Data Primer 2023)
The data curation process is an important opportunity to review the application of CARE principles within a dataset, to determine its quality and appropriateness. The CARE Principles CURATED checklist provides data curators with a starting point for reviewing and remediating issues. When the checklist is insufficient to deal with problems identified, the data curator should work with members of impacted communities wherever possible, as well as researchers and leaders within their institution to create a plan that remediates harms caused, reduces future harms, and respects Tribal data sovereignty.
Indigenous Metadata Bundle Communique (in progress, 2023)
A conceptual framework that identifies primary principles, facilitates cross-standard intention, and creates the possibility for new fields or elements to be developed that include specificity for Indigenous Peoples’ data within a metadata document, bloc, facet, or field. This was developed through Indigenous Metadata Symposium that took place in May 2023 at New York University, a collaboration between the Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance, ENRICH: Equity for Indigenous Research and Innovation Coordinating Hub, and Tikanga in Technology.
Subverting the universality of metadata standards: The TK labels as a tool to promote Indigenous Data Sovereignty (María Montenegro, 2019)
This paper investigates the underlying meanings, effects and cultural patterns of metadata standards, focusing on Dublin Core (DC), and explores how anti-colonial metadata tools can be applied to exercise and promote Indigenous data sovereignty.
Guidelines for Libraries, Archives, & Museums
Guidelines for Collaboration – Guidelines for Museums (School for Advanced Research, 2019)
The term “museum” applies to any institution with collections, the term “community” and “community members” refers to tribes and tribal members, as well as Native American corporations or communities seeking to collaborate with a museum. These guidelines were developed over a three-year period of collaboration between Native and non-Native museum professionals, cultural leaders, and artists. Intended to serve as a resource for museums who are working in collaboration with communities. This resource does not present a set of rules; instead, it offers principles and considerations for building successful collaborations. A set of guidelines for museums and a set for tribal communities are included. Developed by the School for Advanced Research (SAR).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols for Libraries, Archives, and Information Services (ATSILIRN, 2012)
Protocols intended to guide libraries, archives and information services in appropriate ways to interact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the communities which the organizations serve, and to handle materials with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content.
Protocols for the Treatment of Indigenous Materials (The American Philosophical Society, 2014)
These protocols were developed from discussions of the American Philosophical Society Library (hereinafter “APS”) and its Native American Advisory Board regarding indigenous materials held by APS, some of which are culturally sensitive. The Protocols are intended to: 1) give APS guidance in determining what indigenous materials might be culturally sensitive, in categorizing materials as culturally sensitive, and in determining who can decide whether culturally sensitive materials can be reproduced: 2) to allow APS to enter into understandings and agreements with tribes and donors on the treatment of indigenous materials; and 3) give APS guidance in assisting tribes in publishing materials.
Protocols for Native American Archival Materials (First Archivists Circle, 2007)
Native American and settler archivists, librarians, museum curators, historians, and anthropologists gathered to identify best professional practices for culturally responsive care and use of American Indian archival material held by non-tribal organizations. The protocols address: the recognition of the sovereign governments and associated rights of Native American communities; issues in the collection, ownership, preservation, handling, access, and use of American Indian archival resources; the importance of building relationships, balancing different approaches to knowledge management, and mutual respect; the need to expand the nature of the information professions to include Native American perspectives and knowledge.
Organizations, Networks, and Initiatives
Global Indigenous Data Alliance (GIDA)
GIDA is a network uniting Indigenous researchers, data practitioners, and policy activists dedicated to advocating for Indigenous Data Sovereignty on both national and international levels. They strive to engage with Indigenous data users, networks, community groups, ICT providers, researchers, policymakers, planners, and like-minded businesses. The alliance aims to promote International Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance, empowering Indigenous control over their data. Key objectives include advancing Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance, asserting Indigenous Peoples’ rights in data, advocating for data to enhance self-determined well-being, and reinforcing the right to decision-making aligned with Indigenous values and collective interests.
Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance
The Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance focuses on advancing research, policy, and practices related to Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Collaboratory members work with tribal rights holders and institutional stakeholders through research, education, and advocacy to understand barriers and identify opportunities for change. Their goal is to go beyond recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ data rights, aiming for institutional policy and practice changes that protect and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ relationships with data, information, and knowledge. The Collaboratory engages with Indigenous Peoples and nations globally, partnering with national and international networks of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance experts. The team spans various disciplines, including public health, law, business, geography, sociology, social work, public policy, and environmental and climate sciences.
Equity for Indigenous Research and Innovation Coordinating Hub (ENRICH)
ENRICH fosters Indigenous protocols, standards, and machine-focused technology to shape policy, revolutionize institutional and research practices, and reshape relationships between Indigenous communities and broader society. It integrates four disciplines: Indigenous Rights, Law, Policy, and Data Science.
Native Nations Institute (NNI)
The Native Nations Institute is the leading research, education, and outreach organization dedicated to advancing the self-determination, self-governance, and nation-rebuilding initiatives of Indigenous peoples globally. Their work is grounded in research and policy analysis focused on supporting Indigenous nation-building—a process whereby a Native nation enhances its capacity for effective and culturally relevant governance, striving for self-determined and sustainable government. Additionally, NNI provides tribal and direct services, educational and professional development programs, along with digital resources aimed at offering in-depth, practical knowledge about Indigenous governance and community development.
Mukurtu, crafted in collaboration with indigenous communities, is a content management system and digital access tool for cultural heritage. Developed and sustained at Washington State University’s Center for Digital Scholarship and Curation, this free, open-source platform caters to the unique curatorial and access requirements of Indigenous peoples. Mukurtu facilitates distinct access levels for community members and the general public, while also enabling the incorporation of traditional narratives and knowledge labels into the metadata of digitized cultural heritage materials, foregrounding Indigenous knowledge.
A global initiative empowering Indigenous communities through tools that reaffirm cultural authority in heritage collections and data. Focused on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, it aids in repatriating knowledge and taking control of data collection, management, display, access, and usage. Stemming from Mukurtu CMS’s integration of traditional knowledge fields for addressing knowledge and copyright concerns, Local Contexts initially aimed to offer strategies for managing, sharing, and safeguarding digital heritage. In the face of a complex legal, social, and cultural landscape, the development of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Biocultural (BC) Labels from Local Contexts provide Indigenous communities with tools to infuse cultural and historical context, along with cultural authority, into their local digital heritage archives and global digital repositories.
United States Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network (USIDSN)
The United States Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network ensures that data for and about Indigenous Peoples in the US are utilized to advance Indigenous aspirations for collective and individual wellbeing. USIDSN’s primary function is to provide research information, training opportunities, and policy advocacy to safeguard the rights and promote the interests of Indigenous Peoples in relation to data. The USIDSN unites advocates for Indigenous Data Sovereignty in the US and collaborates with international networks.
Te Mana Raraunga, Māori Data Sovereignty Network
Situated in Aotearoa (New Zealand), TMR aims to achieve Māori Data Sovereignty and enhance Māori collective and individual well-being by asserting Māori rights and interests in data, safeguarding and protecting data related to Māori, ensuring the quality and integrity of Māori data collection, advocating for Māori participation in data repository governance, supporting the development of Māori data infrastructure and security systems, and fostering sustainable Māori digital businesses and innovations.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network
A support and information network for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people–the first peoples of Australia and the traditional owners) working in libraries and for those people servicing the information needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. They have provide protocols for libraries, archives, and information services that guide good practice by reflect the issues important to Indigenous peoples respective to their region, in regard to their materials held in collections.