FOUNDING of GIDA

the Global Indigenous Data Alliance

The Workshop “International Law, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Indigenous Data Sovereignty” was hosted 11-12 July 2019 at the International Institute for the Sociology of Law, Oñati, Spain.

Convened by Maggie Walter and Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear, the Workshop brought together participants from seven nation states including representation from the Maiam nayri Wingara Collective (Australia); Te Mana Raraunga Maori Data Sovereignty Network (Aotearoa New Zealand); and the United States Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network.

The purpose of the Workshop was to provide a forum for international Indigenous Data Sovereignty scholars and practitioners to collaboratively advance the legal principles underlying collective and individual data rights in the context of UNDRIP. Indigenous Data Sovereignty is a prerequisite for effective delivery of the social, political and economic promises of UNDRIP.

Discussions included:

  • UNDRIP provides a necessary but insufficient foundation for the realisation of Indigenous rights and interests in data. Indigenous Peoples also require Indigenous-designed legal and regulatory approaches founded on Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles.

  • While national Indigenous Data Sovereignty networks are best placed to respond to and progress data sovereignty for their peoples and communities, a global alliance is needed to advocate for and advance a shared vision for Indigenous Data Sovereignty.

  • The international focus on the protection of personal data and privacy rights is inadequate for Indigenous Peoples. There is an urgent need for the development and implementation of collective Indigenous privacy laws, regulations and standards.

 Outcomes included:

GIDA Meaning

Basque Country is known for its commitment to self-determination, language revitalisation, and cultural continuity. GIDA is the Basque word for guide. One of the key aims of GIDA is to share frameworks, tools, and processes to help guide the practice of Indigenous Data Sovereignty around the globe.

Workshop communique

Download the Oñati workshop communique in Maori, English or Spanish.

networks