Governance of Indigenous data in open earth systems science

Area of Science:

• Earth Science
• Open Science
• Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Background:

• The increasing volume of big data and the push for open science present challenges in respecting Indigenous Peoples' rights.
• Historical extractive practices in research necessitate a shift towards equitable data governance models.
• The Earth Data Relations Working Group (EDRWG) was formed to address these critical issues in Earth science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the necessary processes for integrating open science protocols with the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• To envision a transformed research landscape that rectifies past extractive legacies and establishes new ethical norms.
• To develop recommendations for Earth science institutions and open science research.

Main Methods:

• Convening the Earth Data Relations Working Group (EDRWG) to deliberate on the intersection of open science and Indigenous rights.
• Utilizing the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) as a case study to identify practical applications.
• Analyzing the entire data lifecycle to pinpoint critical intervention points for rights-based approaches.

Main Results:

• The EDRWG identified key actions applicable across all data lifecycle phases.
• Recommendations focus on recognizing and upholding the sovereign rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• The proposed framework aims to foster more ethical and effective Earth science research.

Conclusions:

• Implementing new norms in Earth science institutions is crucial for equitable data practices.
• Acknowledging Indigenous Peoples' sovereign rights is fundamental to responsible open science.
• The EDRWG's recommendations provide a pathway for better, rights-respecting Earth science research.