Ms. Jenny Fewster1, Mr. Robert Dhurwain McLellan2, Mr. Levi Murray3
1Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC), Australia, 2University of Queensland, Australia, 3Indigenous Data Network, University of Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Jenny Fewster – With over 20 years’ experience in collecting, managing and disseminating research and cultural heritage data and resources, Jenny is passionate about delivering quality research infrastructure and data to meet the diverse needs of HASS and Indigenous researchers and data custodians. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1222-7571
Robert McLellan – Robert McLellan is proud Gooreng Gooreng descendant of the Wide Bay region, QLD, and an experienced Director and governance practitioner. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a chartered manager and fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders ANZ and is currently an Industry Fellow of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science with the University of QLD as well as the Program Manager for the Language Data Commons of Australia (LDaCA). https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3564-4275
Levi Murray – Levi Murray is an Aboriginal man of Wakka Wakka and Kubi Kubi descent. Murray is an expert health strategist with over sixteen years of cross-sector experience in Health and Education. He is committed to the perpetual independence, growth and evolution of healthcare and infrastructure of our First Nations and their respective communities. Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, Murray delivered senior clinical leadership and advocacy to Victoria's Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector. In April 2022, he was appointed as the Strategic Manager of Indigenous Data with the Indigenous Studies Unit at Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, overseeing the HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons Indigenous Research Capabilities Project. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7702-5607
Abstract:
In research in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS), the Indigenous voice is vital, yet has often been undervalued. The Governance of Indigenous Data Framework was authored by Robert McLellan, Jenny Fewster, Levi Murray and Marcia Langton for the HASS & Indigenous RDC to offer a robust model for managing Indigenous data with integrity and respect. Grounded in inclusivity and ethical research, this framework defines key guidelines and governance practices for the reform and implementation of Indigenous data governance. Strengthening a competent, capable and responsive Indigenous Data Ecosystem is central to the model.
It emerges from three years of consultations and reflects the imperative for Indigenous-led governance frameworks. The framework responds to calls from public consultations for:
– Indigenous-led design of governance frameworks,
– Indigenous involvement in implementation of frameworks,
– enough flexibility in frameworks to handle needs of diverse communities and changes over time.
Furthermore, the framework responds to the need for a framework for governance of Indigenous data to enable institutions, researchers, communities, data practitioners and those aligned within the RDC to appropriately engage with Indigenous peoples' rights and interests.
By embracing Indigenous perspectives on data governance and cultural heritage, our initiative seeks to foster a more inclusive and ethical research environment within the HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons to assist in bridging the gap between academic institutions and Indigenous knowledge systems and advance shared goals of knowledge production, preservation, and social justice.