Indigenous Data Foundations: A Learning Partnership

Categories: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Project Summary

Indigenous Data Foundations: A Learning Partnership is an Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) co-invested initiative aimed at strengthening organisational capability for Indigenous Data Governance within earth and environmental research infrastructures. The project brings together National Earth and Environment Science Facilities Forum organisations, the ARDC and leading Indigenous data experts to build the foundational capability, guidance and governance structures needed to support Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance across Australia’s national research infrastructures. It supports capacity building, shared learning, and the development of governance-ready systems that uphold Indigenous data rights within research and decision-making contexts.

Our Investigators

Dr Cas Sedran-Price
Associate Professor Veronica Matthews
Kerryn Harkin

Collaborators

Dr Riley Taitingfong, Indigenous Data Alliance
Dr Stephanie Russo Carroll, University of Arizona
Associate Professor Maui Hudson, University of Waikato
Hamish Holewa, Australian Research Data Commons
Kylie Black, Australian Research Data Commons

Partner organisations

Australian Research Data Commons: Co-investor and Learning Partner

Indigenous Data Alliance: Project leadership and Indigenous data governance expertise

The University of Arizona: Project leadership and Indigenous data governance expertise

The University of Waikato: Project leadership and Indigenous data governance expertise

Terri Janke and Company: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property expertise

Learning Partners: Atlas of Living Australia, AuScope, Australian Access Federation, Australian Plant Phenomics Network, Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network, BioPlatforms Australia, Integrated Marine Observing System, Marine National Facility

Status

This project commenced in January 2026.

What does the project focus on?

The project focuses on establishing strong organisational foundations for Indigenous Data Governance across Australia’s earth and environmental research infrastructures by building the capabilities, guidance and governance needed to uphold Indigenous Data Sovereignty and culturally appropriate data practices. Aligned with the CARE and Maiam nayri Wingara principles, the project supports Indigenous rights and interests in data, improves protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and culturally sensitive information, and enhances Indigenous community access to data held by national facilities. Consistent, best-practice approaches will also make it easier for researchers to work responsibly with Indigenous data, supporting both FAIR and CARE Principles nationally.

What do we hope to achieve?

The project aims to equip organisations with the knowledge, structures, and practical capability to embed Indigenous Data Governance within their systems and workflows. Anticipated outcomes include strengthened policy approaches, improved ethical data management practices, and greater alignment with Indigenous data rights and sovereignty. This work is expected to contribute to more culturally grounded research infrastructures and more equitable participation of Indigenous communities in earth and environmental data ecosystems.