Indigenous Data Sovereignty is a framework protecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ right to control the collection, ownership, and use of their data. Essentially, Indigenous Data Sovereignty recognises data as a vital cultural and economic asset of indigenous peoples and puts in place principles to protect that asset.
Indigenous data sovereignty recognises that Indigenous data are not merely a neutral resource to be exploited, but a living, relational entity that is deeply connected to the identities, histories, and futures of Indigenous peoples (Rainie et al., 2017).
The Maiam Nayri Wingara Principles
The Maiam Nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute convened an Indigenous Data Sovereignty Summit in Canberra on June 20, 2018.
A primary objective of the Summit was to advance Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance by initiating a framework of Australian Indigenous Data Governance protocols and principles.
The Summit culminated in a Communique that articulates the delegates’ collective perspective on Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance.
Delegates asserted that in Australia, Indigenous peoples have the right to:
- Exercise control of the data ecosystem including creation, development, stewardship, analysis, dissemination and infrastructure.
- Data that are contextual and disaggregated (available and accessible at individual, community and First Nations levels).
- Data that are relevant and empowers sustainable self-determination and effective self-governance.
- Data structures that are accountable to Indigenous peoples and First Nations.
- Data that are protective and respects our individual and collective interests.
The Importance of Data to Indigenous Rights
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long sought the realisation of their right to self-determination. Data plays a crucial role in achieving this right. By empowering Indigenous communities to control the collection, use, and sharing of data, they are more suitably equipped to effectively advocate for the needs and aspirations of the community in government decision-making processes. This permits these Communities to support informed decision-making at the community level, share their own narratives and experiences, and plan for future needs.
The Australian Government possesses significant data assets related to the Australian population, including data pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This data is collected and utilized for various purposes, such as program performance monitoring, service delivery, and policy development. The framework aims to guide governments in implementing data governance policies that foster stronger working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, enhance access to data and information at the regional level, and ultimately ensure that Australian Government policies, programs, and services are accessible and beneficial to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty in the Age of Big Data
Studies have recognized that the rise of Big Data and the push for Open Data significantly impact the ability for Indigenous groups to ensure recognition of the Data Sovereignty principles. While the growth of Big Data offers potential benefits, Indigenous communities find themselves disproportionately represented in data related to social disadvantage and consequentially face the risk of being further marginalized.
Existing data infrastructures, including the emerging Open Data ecosystem also largely fail to recognise Indigenous agency, worldviews, and data needs. This is evident in the conspicuous absence of Indigenous data considerations within Open Data discussions and publications. Consequently, despite the promise of a data revolution, Indigenous communities may not equitably share in its benefits. The research argues that the framework of Indigenous Data Sovereignty can mitigate risks and provide pathways for Indigenous communities to leverage data for their empowerment and benefit within this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
It has similarly been argued that Indigenous Data Sovereignty is key to preventing AI from being used against the interests of Indigenous communities. It has been argued that this means working closely with Indigenous communities, being transparent about how AI is developed, and ensuring that the data used by AI does not provide adverse framing.
Here at Therapas we are committed to recognizing the Principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
