Abstract
This chapter introduces a framework for indigenous research and data management in electronic archives that aligns with indigenous worldviews and practices. It discusses indigenous communities' challenges in owning and controlling their data and the need for a culturally relevant framework for managing indigenous data in electronic archives. The proposed eight-step framework emphasises community control, data sovereignty, and ethical data management practices; and includes key components such as community engagement, informed consent, and culturally relevant metadata standards. Best practices for data sharing and partnership building with non-indigenous institutions are also discussed, as well as the steps for implementing the framework and the role of stakeholders in the process. Evaluation metrics for measuring the framework's success are proposed. The chapter concludes by emphasising the importance of community control and ethical data management practices in preserving and protecting indigenous cultural heritage and identity in electronic archives.
TopConcept Of Indigenous Research And Data
Indigenous research is an approach that values and respects indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and ways of knowing. It involves collaborating with indigenous peoples to promote self-determination and empower indigenous communities. Smith (2021) argues that a critical examination of research practices and the impact of colonialism on indigenous peoples is necessary for indigenous research. This approach recognises the importance of oral traditions, community-based knowledge and the use of indigenous languages in research (Wilson, 2020). In addition, indigenous research requires a culturally sensitive approach that respects indigenous protocols and values. This includes obtaining free, prior and informed consent from indigenous communities before conducting research while also ensuring that research benefits the community, and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research participants (Bassey & Owan, 2023; Owan et al., 2023). Smith (2021) emphasises that a decolonising approach to research must challenge the dominant research paradigm and promote indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Indigenous Research: Indigenous research is a type of research that is carried out by and with Indigenous peoples, communities, and knowledge systems. It emphasises the importance of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and values in shaping research questions, methodology, and outcomes.
Indigenous Data: This refers to the data that relates to or originates from Indigenous peoples, communities, cultures, or knowledge systems. This data often includes cultural, ecological, and linguistic information and is unique to Indigenous communities and their experiences.
Electronic Archives: This refers to a collection of digital data, documents, and records preserved for long-term storage and access. Electronic archives can include various types of digital data, such as text, images, audio, and video.
Metadata: Data that provides information about other data. Metadata can include information about the context, structure, format, and content of digital data and is used to help organise and manage digital collections. In Indigenous data management, metadata can include information about data's cultural and historical significance and ownership and access.
Cultural Heritage: Refers to the artefacts, practices, and traditions that are inherited from past generations and preserved as a cultural legacy. Cultural heritage includes tangible and intangible elements, such as artefacts, historical sites, language, music, and storytelling.