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Indigenous Data Governance

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At Mishiikehn Consulting, we recognize that data is not just information—it is identity, history, governance, and voice. We are committed to ethical, respectful, and reciprocal data practices that reflect and uphold the sovereignty and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples.

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Commitment to OCAP®

 

When working with First Nations, we honour the OCAP® principles developed by the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC), which stand for:

  • Ownership – First Nations collectively own their information, much like an individual owns their personal information.

  • Control – First Nations have the right to control all aspects of research and data management processes that impact them.

  • Access – First Nations must have access to data about themselves and their communities, regardless of where it is held.

  • Possession – First Nations have the right to physically possess their data and information as a means of asserting ownership and control.

We also respect similar principles as defined by Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous organizations, and will work with each Nation or community to align our practices with their unique governance protocols.

 
Guiding Values
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Our approach is grounded in:

  • Relational accountability – We act with integrity, humility, and responsibility in all engagements.

  • Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) – We seek explicit consent before collecting or using any data and ensure consent is ongoing, informed, and revocable.

  • Cultural protocols – We follow Nation-specific teachings, protocols, and knowledge-keeping practices, including the respectful treatment of oral histories and traditional knowledge.

  • Transparency – We are clear about what data is being collected, how it will be used, who will access it, and for what purpose.

 

Community Data Use Agreement Template

For Use in Projects with Indigenous Communities

 

This is a template and should be adapted in direct collaboration with the community involved.

 

COMMUNITY DATA USE AGREEMENT
Between: Mishiikehn Consulting
And: [Insert Name of Indigenous Community or Organization]
Date: [Insert Date]

 

1. Purpose of Agreement

This agreement outlines the shared understanding regarding the collection, use, storage, sharing, and ownership of data related to the [project or initiative name].

 
2. Scope of Data

This agreement pertains to data including, but not limited to:

  • Community knowledge, stories, and experiences

  • Survey, interview, or engagement session responses

  • Reports or summaries that reference the community

 
3. Ownership and OCAP®

  • The data collected through this project is owned by the community.

  • Mishiikehn Consulting affirms the community’s right to Control, Access, and Possess all data.

  • Mishiikehn Consulting will not use, reproduce, or share the data beyond this project without written community approval.

 
4. Consent

  • All data will be collected with free, prior, and informed consent.

  • Participants will be provided clear information on how their contributions will be used and stored.

 
5. Data Storage and Access

  • All data will be stored on secure, encrypted, Canadian-based servers.

  • Upon project completion or termination, all original data will be returned to the community and/or deleted from Mishiikehn Consulting’s systems, as per community direction.

 
6. Reporting and Use

  • All findings or reports generated from the data will be shared with the community for review and approval prior to any public dissemination.

  • Community representatives will be given the opportunity to contribute to and shape how findings are framed.

 
7. Amendments and Review

This agreement may be amended at any time with mutual consent and should be reviewed annually or upon project completion.

 

 

Signatures:

On behalf of Mishiikehn Consulting
Name: ___________________________
Signature: ________________________
Date: ____________________________

 

On behalf of [Community Name]
Name: ___________________________
Role/Title: ________________________
Signature: ________________________
Date: ____________________________

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