Indigenous Data Sovereignty in the United States

Abstract

This case study delves into the complicated environment of Indigenous data sovereignty in American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the United States. It investigates how historical abuse, mistrust, and exclusion from decision-making processes have resulted in calls for tribal self-determination in data collecting, governance, and utilization. The case demonstrates the insufficiency of national privacy rules in protecting tribal data rights, as well as how data obtained without sufficient tribe engagement can perpetuate harm or lead to erroneous policy. Drawing on the C.A.R.E. paradigm (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, and Ethics), the study proposes for Indigenous-led data systems that adhere to cultural traditions and promote self-governance. It also explores the ramifications of emerging technologies such as AI and asks whether existing data practices are compatible with Indigenous worldviews. The case, using instances such as the exploitation of Havasupai tribe DNA and the constraints of federal data collecting, advocates for collaborative, culturally aware techniques that empower tribal nations to reclaim control of their digital destiny.