Open Smart City Initiatives as Tools for Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Indigenous data are largely not held or possessed by the Indigenous nations and peoples they represent. As an organization that focuses on data sharing and Open Smart Communities, we have much to learn to ensure that the First Nations Principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) set forth by the First Nations Information Governance Centre and the interests of Indigenous communities are upheld in Open Smart Community initiatives.

This research brief highlights Indigenous Data Sovereignty as a key concept in Open Smart Communities and data sharing. The brief outlines best practices for municipalities seeking to work with Indigenous communities on Open Smart Community initiatives and provides recommendations for approaching the work in a way that builds long-term relationships and upholds Indigenous sovereignty.

About the Research Brief series

This series of research briefs has been produced for the Community Solutions Network, a community-centric platform for communities to connect and build a national centre of excellence in Open Smart Communities. As the project lead, Evergreen works with its lead technical partner, Open North, and other partners to provide valuable information, learning opportunities, advisory and capacity building services to Canadian communities in key areas of data and technology, helping to improve the lives of residents.