Research: Indigenous data considerations

Indigenous data sovereignty 

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reaffirms the right of Indigenous Peoples to have self determination and control over Indigenous data. Data created or generated by Indigenous Peoples or non- Indigenous groups (government agencies or institutions) about Indigenous Peoples, knowledge or communities

-Indigenous environmental knowledge (lands, skies, waters)

- Administrative information about Indigenous Peoples (census, health data)

- Indigenous Cultural knowledge including traditions and oral histories, cultural sites, stories and belongings.

The CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance

Designed to compliment the FAIR Data Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) the CARE Principles are "people– and purpose-oriented, reflecting the crucial role of data in advancing innovation, governance, and self-determination among Indigenous Peoples."

For more information about the CARE Data Principles and best practice regarding the collection and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research data please read the key documents below.

Indigenous Knowledge in Research: Intellectual Property and ethical use

This video is presented by the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice in collaboration with Federation University Library. Doctor Virginia Marshall from ANU and Professor Emily from the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice discuss issues around the use of Indigenous Knowledge in Research.

Community Consent 

If you would like to create new content using Indigenous Knowledges, such as recording an interview of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, collecting data using the lens of Indigenous Knowledges, or writing an article on First Nations cultural practices it is necessary to take certain steps to avoid misusing or misappropriating Indigenous Knowledges.

IP Australia have established guidelines as requested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to maintain:

1. Control over who uses Indigenous Knowledges and how it's used
2. Protection to prevent unauthorised use of their knowledge and impose sanctions against misappropriation
3. Recognition as owners of their Indigenous Knowledges
4. Respect as owners of the Indigenous Knowledges and the cultural protocols associated with it.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent

The United Nations recommends project practitioners abide by to concept of Free Prior and Informed Consent, as  ‘all peoples have the right to self-determination’ and ‘all peoples have the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development’. 

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) emphasises that "traditional owners are the ultimate judges on whether the consultation process has been meaningful", and that free, prior, and informed consent:

What does FPIC look like in practice? by AIATSIS