Indigenous Data Sovereignty: Collective Rights & Responsibility features Dr. Tahu Kukutai (Māori) and Dr.Dr. Desi Small-Rodriguez (Northern Cheyenne and Chicana), with commentary from Dr. Keolu Fox (Kanaka Maoli), in a detailed exploration of the question: What is Indigenous data sovereignty, and what does it truly mean for Indigenous Peoples?

Mega corporations now trade data as their primary currency, and while subversive, our Indigenous relatives recognize the extreme consequences and harm that comes from losing control of our stories, and therefore our data. As every action leaves a digital footprint, opting out is not a feasible choice. Around the world, Native communities are addressing these extractive systems, resisting their impacts, and fighting the good fight to create tangible systems to exercise sovereignty and protect Indigenous peoples, lands, and communities.

Dr. Dr. Des and Dr. Tahu remind us that the concept of “individual” data is an illusion. The decisions we make in digital space carry real consequences– not only for ourselves, but also for the land and our communities. For those of us who aren’t data scientists or daily activist warriors, this conversation serves as a grounding reminder that we are still part of this fight. Our understanding and ability to discuss these ideas create ripple effects that contribute to the broader movement.

From discussing tangible steps to assert our true Tribal sovereignty and self-determination by bringing data servers to Tribal lands, to fighting for law and legislation about accessing existing Indigenous data controlled by the states and governments, or to exploring ways we can use our existing Indigenous frameworks and protocols to humanize the data into stories that are accessible and relevant to our communities, this conversation elevates the realities of the Indigenous data sovereignty revolution and its impacts on our collective contemporary survival.

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Editing & All the things by Teo Shantz

Episode artwork by Ciara Sana

Film work by Francisco Sánchez

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Indigenous Data Sovereignty: Collective Rights & Responsibility