Sharing research data has numerous benefits and can lead to improved outcomes for the wider community. Collaboration around retention, sharing and access to Indigenous data is important. Indigenous peoples have the right to have access to their data or copies of their data returned to them. If data is not returned, researchers need to consider how communities will access the data in an ongoing way, for example through rematriation, data sharing agreements or memorandums of understanding.
Researchers should also work alongside Indigenous communities to build understanding of what 'open access data' might mean. Understanding the possibilities, risks and any implications for their data before they agree to open access. This will enhance relationships and trust between researchers and communities.
Security and access controls around Indigenous data should also be applied in line with Indigenous cultural protocols to protect sensitive data, or material that should only be viewed under restricted conditions. These conditions should be developed in collaboration with relevant communities.
Usually, data is retained for minimum periods, however some communities may require certain data be destroyed. Ensure you have the right approach to retention that respects Indigenous data sovereignty and governance.
Datasets may be deposited into data repositories such as UQ eSpace or Australian Data Archive. These repositories preserve the datasets for long-term access and reuse and support the sharing of data with wider audiences. Access to the data may be 'open access' and unrestricted, or 'mediated' and restricted. Restricted access may be applied to a dataset due to its sensitive nature and may be imposed in line with Indigenous cultural protocols as requested by the community a dataset concerns. Discuss any restrictions with knowledge holders or community as early as possible, and always refer back to the knowledge holders for any data deposit decisions.
When sharing Indigenous data, make sure there is clear information about acceptable or appropriate secondary use or reuse of the data and any limitations on who can access it.
When publishing or sharing research data, recognise and attribute your Indigenous collaborators and identify whether the research dataset was created by Indigenous people/by mob, with Indigenous people/with mob or for Indigenous people/for mob.
In line with Indigenous worldviews, recognition and attribution may also be ascribed to non-human entities that are seen as the source of knowledge.
It may also be important to recognise any sources relied on, in the event any particular expressions of Indigenous knowledge are contested within a community. Any recognition should comply with privacy considerations and ethical requirements.