Understanding Indigenous Data Sovereignty as a Research Paradigm in Geography: Reframing Indigenous Knowledge, Data, and Research Practices

Geographers are increasingly recognizing Indigenous data sovereignty (IDSov) as a pivotal framework to address issues surrounding geographic data and mapping technologies. There remains a notable absence, however, of a comprehensive engagement that critically frames IDSov within the context of geography. This absence raises concerns about the potential perpetuation of extractive practices and an oversimplification and standardization of IDSov. A cookie-cutter approach is inappropriate because it blurs the nuances and specificity of individual communities’ IDSov. Rather than approaching IDSov as a set of principles applied at the end of the research life cycle, we conceptualize IDSov as a relational paradigm that informs all stages of geographic research, from agenda setting to data governance and knowledge dissemination. The article examines how an IDSov paradigm reshapes not only data governance but also the ontological and epistemological foundations through which geographic knowledge is produced and represented. In this article, we argue that geography as a discipline is well-positioned to advance conceptualizations and practices of IDSov. We draw from research and work in Indigenous geographies that engage with Indigenous communities. We emphasize the incorporation of Indigenous ontologies, epistemologies, praxis, methodologies, axiology, and pedagogies. By situating IDSov within this comprehensive Indigenous research paradigm, we aim to pave the way for meaningful engagements with IDSov as a critical project within the field of geography. Our objective is to contribute to the emergence of reparative research projects that acknowledge and respect the sovereignty of Indigenous communities and their geospatial data.