Australian Indigenous data sovereignty is a fundamental aspect of self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It emphasizes the right of Indigenous communities to control data that pertains to their identities, cultures, lands, and resources.

• In Australia, ‘Indigenous Data’ refers to information or knowledge, in any format or medium, which is about and may affect Indigenous peoples both collectively and individually.

                                                                                                                                                                      As custodians of their own information, Indigenous groups are advocating for data governance frameworks that align with their values and traditions, recognising that data is not just information, but a vital resource tied to cultural heritage and knowledge systems.

• ‘Indigenous Data Governance’ refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to autonomously decide what, how and why Indigenous Data are collected, accessed and used. It ensures that data on or about Indigenous peoples reflects Indigenous priorities, values, cultures, worldviews and diversity.

                                                                                                                                                       Indigenous data sovereignty addresses issues related to misrepresentation, exploitation, and the unauthorised use of their information while striving to empower Indigenous communities through ownership and management of their data.

• ‘Indigenous Data Sovereignty’ refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to exercise ownership over Indigenous Data. Ownership of data can be expressed through the creation, collection, access, analysis, interpretation, management, dissemination and reuse of Indigenous Data.

                                                                                                                                                              Several resources and organisations support Indigenous data sovereignty efforts in Australia. Initiatives like the Collective and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Archive (ATSIDA) ANTAR and others are working to advance these goals.

The Maiam nayri Wingara Collective focuses on advocating for ethical data use, building Indigenous capacity, and influencing policy. ATSIDA serves as a specialised archive to preserve and manage Indigenous data with respect for cultural protocols. Additionally, frameworks such as the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance provide a guide for organisations and researchers to ensure data handling prioritises collective benefit, authority, responsibility, and ethics. Together, these resources and others contribute to creating a future where Indigenous data is respected, protected, and utilised in ways that honour the communities it belongs to.

Indigenous data sovereignty has been implemented in various impactful ways across the globe. For example, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation in Canada developed the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) to quantify the challenges faced by remote First Nations communities. This data-driven initiative highlighted systemic barriers and inequities in funding formulas, ultimately advocating for better access to child and family services.

In Australia, the Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective has been instrumental in promoting ethical data governance and empowering First Nations communities to control their data. Their efforts include influencing policy and building capacity to ensure data is managed in ways that align with Indigenous values and priorities.

The Maranguka Initiative in Bourke, north-west NSW, is leading the way for data-led self-governance and grass-roots system change. Maranguka uses data to identify patterns in community dynamics and key areas – ‘circuit breakers’ – where interventions can be implemented to reverse trends of disadvantage and incarceration. Maranguka has embraced data analysis and data sharing as a vital tool in creating the systems and frameworks necessary to ensure effective structures are in place to support vulnerable families and to maintain a clear focus on the community’s shared goals.

These examples demonstrate how Indigenous data sovereignty can drive meaningful change and support self-determination.

Source: Data Sovereignty — ANTAR

Seer Data and Analytics

Image Credit: “Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Australia” during Melbourne Knowledge Week (2022), Graphic recording on Wurundjeri Country by Sarah Firth.