Promoting self-determined Indigenous data governance in Canada: the Métis Health Research and Data Governance...

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health Research
• Data Governance
• Health Equity

Background:

• Population-level data is vital for Indigenous rights and sovereignty, necessitating localized data collection strategies.
• Current data governance models in Canada often underrepresent Métis realities due to a focus on First Nations principles.
• Existing frameworks fail to address the unique cultural, historical, and community-specific needs of the Métis people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Saskatchewan Métis Health Research and Data Governance Principles©.
• To provide a framework for Métis-specific health research and promote Métis data sovereignty.
• To ensure Métis values and perspectives are integrated throughout the research lifecycle.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Saskatchewan Métis Health Research and Data Governance Principles©.
• Emphasis on Métis-specific priorities, including capacity building and active engagement with rights holders.
• Comparison and differentiation from existing frameworks like the First Nations Principles of OCAP®.

Main Results:

• The principles offer a culturally relevant approach to health research for the Métis Nation.
• They highlight the importance of Métis self-determination in research and data management.
• The framework supports the creation of representative datasets that reflect Métis experiences.

Conclusions:

• The Saskatchewan Métis Health Research and Data Governance Principles© are essential for equitable and respectful Métis health research.
• Adoption of these principles can advance Métis data sovereignty and address historical inequities.
• These principles foster a collaborative research environment centered on Métis values and community needs.