Indigenous data sovereignty is the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to determine the means of collection, ownership, interpretation, dissemination, protection, and application of their own data. Indigenous data sovereignty is inextricable from Indigenous self-determination.
Carleton University seeks to provide accountable, ethical, respectful, high-standard, appropriate, and meaningful research relationships with Indigenous peoples and their communities. Carleton University has sought this through the establishment of the Indigenous Research Ethics Board, the Ānako Indigenous Research Institute, and the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Strategy to foster respectful research.
The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Article 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that “Indigenous Peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports, traditional games and visual and performing arts. Indigenous Peoples also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.” Canada endorses UNDRIP.
Kinàmàgawin (Learning Together) Report
The Kinàmàgawin Report was developed in response to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report. The TRC’s Calls to Action called upon post-secondary institutions to increase the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the classroom. In October 2018, the Carleton University Strategic Indigenous Initiatives Committee (CUSIIC) published the 2020 Kinàmàgawin (Learning Together) Report. The Kinàmàgawin established 41 CUSIIC was tasked to revitalize Carleton’s Indigenous strategy and re-energize relationships with Indigenous communities in Algonquin territory and across the country. Within the 41 Calls to Action are prioritizing effective and meaning research partnerships with Indigenous communities through the Ānako Indigenous Research Institute.
Who is the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Strategy meant for?
Carleton University Indigenous Data Sovereignty Strategy is intended for Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, faculty, staff, students, trainees, and partners who are interested in conducting research and working with Indigenous communities here in Canada/ Turtle Island and abroad.