Implementing Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Rights Management: Local Contexts in Cultural Institutions

Abstract

Incorporating Indigenous data sovereignty and cultural authority should become standard in cultural institutions’ rights management practices. By implementing Indigenous rights, cultural authority, and data sovereignty into everyday practices, cultural institutions recognize Indigenous communities needs concerning the care and display of their cultural objects. Traditional rights management has always been in the business of building and maintaining relationships with creators (or their descendent(s) or designated rights holder(s)) and recording and honoring their wishes. Weaving Indigenous traditional knowledge and care into this established practice is the logical course of action. This case study summarizes Newfields’ process for implementing Local Contexts’ digital tools into its collection management system and online collections portal, showing its commitment to collaboration with Indigenous cultural authorities through Indigenous data sovereignty. Embedding their authority into a cultural intuition’s digital space puts Indigenous rights at the forefront in a visible and impactful way for users and stakeholders.