CARE principles for Indigenous data

The CARE principles are people and purpose-oriented and reflect the crucial role of data in advancing Indigenous innovation and self-determination.

• Collective benefit
• Authority to control
• Responsibility
• Ethics

These principles can complement FAIR principles by encouraging the centring of both people and purpose in the sharing of research data and artefacts. The CARE principles, developed by the Global Indigenous Data Alliance, facilitate the consideration of collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility and ethics in working with research data.

These principles have been developed with the involvement of Te Mana Raraunga, the Māori Data Sovereignty Network.

Collective benefit

Data ecosystems shall be designed and function in ways that enable Indigenous peoples to derive benefit from the data.

Authority to control

Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests in Indigenous data must be recognised, and their authority to control such data must be empowered.

Indigenous data governance enables Indigenous peoples and governing bodies to determine how Indigenous peoples, as well as Indigenous lands, territories, resources, knowledges and geographical indicators, are represented and identified within data.

Responsibility

Those working with Indigenous data have a responsibility to share how those data are used to support Indigenous peoples’ self-determination and collective benefit. Accountability requires meaningful and openly available evidence of these efforts and the benefits accruing to Indigenous peoples.

Ethics

Indigenous peoples’ rights and wellbeing should be the primary concern at all stages of the data life cycle and across the data ecosystem.

The CARE Principles for Indigenous data governance are available in summary or in full.

For practical steps to balance FAIR and CARE principles, refer to: FAIR principles.

Research Data Support Services
Email: researchdata@auckland.ac.nz

eResearch Engagement Lead
Email: Laura Armstrong