Indigenous research data management

Metadata is required for the preservation, retention and sharing of research data. It enables discovery, and supports interpretation and use of the data. It can support Indigenous data sovereignty, making datasets more visible and accessible for Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous peoples and collaborators should be involved in the co-design of descriptions and annotations of data, and any metadata to be captured that will support retention, sharing, re-use and rematriation of data. This provides opportunities for Indigenous voices and worldviews to be embedded in the data. For example, terminology used in describing data and materials, or file names, should meet the needs of Indigenous communities and avoid problematic language.

If you are working in a local context, embed local, appropriate metadata where possible. However, some useful resources include:

• Austlang database of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
  • This resource is a good place to start for identifying relevant language groups to include in metadata.
• AIATSIS Pathways
  • A thesaurus for terms, subjects, placenames relating to Indigenous research.
• AustKin
  • A database which provides terminologies around kinship and social category systems for different language groups that can help you embed meaningful metadata into your research, as well as support appropriate engagement with communities.
• "Use Our Words" Toolkit
  • Toolkit provides an international perspective on selecting appropriate metadata that puts Indigenous Peoples at the forefront in choosing and applying metadata.

Metadata elements to consider include languages, nations, Indigenous place names and species, geospatial coordinates to link back to Country (unless there is a risk of exposing sensitive information), and Traditional Knowledge or BioCultural labels, as well as any content advice or warnings.