Research Data Management: Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Indigenous Data Sovereignty is the authority of Indigenous peoples, Nations and communities over their own data, how their data is framed, and how their data is managed. The University of Waterloo respects and recognizes the sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples, Nations, and communities over research data produced by, with, for, and about them. This includes sovereignty over the collection, use, control, access, possession, and sharing of these data. These rights are recognized and upheld by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Waterloo acknowledges the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy statement regarding a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous Data Sovereignty:

“In line with the concept of Indigenous self-determination and in an effort to support Indigenous communities to conduct research and partner with the broader research community, the agencies recognize that data related to research by and with the First Nations, Métis, or Inuit whose traditional and ancestral territories are in Canada must be managed in accordance with data management principles developed and approved by these communities, and on the basis of free, prior, and informed consent.”

Understanding that each Indigenous Nation and community will have different requirements regarding research data generated through partnerships, we honour different models of data management, including the First Nations Information Governance Centre’s OCAP^® Principles, the USAI Research Framework developed by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Global Indigenous Data Alliance’s CARE Principles, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami National Inuit Strategy on Research.

To ensure that our commitment to respecting Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles is upheld in all facets of our research activities, and across every Strategic Direction outlined here, Waterloo recognizes the need for ongoing and meaningful consultation with Indigenous rightsholders and community members. We acknowledge that this will require unique expertise and the formation of distinct services for the management of research data from and relating to Indigenous Nations, communities, and individuals.