Capability 2.1

Commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Definition

The right of First Nations people to exercise ownership over Indigenous data. Ownership of data can be expressed through the creation, collection, access, analysis, interpretation, management, dissemination and reuse of Indigenous data.

Examples

Closing the Gap: Priority Reform Four - Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level
Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data
Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Principles
FAIR and CARE Principles
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles (CSIRO).

Indicators

Number of partnerships in place between First Nations representatives and government organisations to guide the improved collections, access, management and use of data to inform shared decision-making for the benefit of First Nations people
Evidence of adherence to the FAIR and CARE Principles in all stages of data lifecycle management (see below)

National AI Plan

PLAN COMMITMENT

Significant commitment

Commits to upholding the principles of the Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data (NIAA 2024) in actions taken under the plan (Action 4). Commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty is also referenced in relation to supporting and training Australians, the public service and AI harms (Action 5, Action 6, Action 7). Significant commitment by government in the plan aligns with the recommendation to close a critical gap.

Stocktake

Closing the Gap: Priority Reform Four - Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level.Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Accessed April 2026. https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/national-agreement/national-agreement-closing-the-gap/6-priority-reform-areas/four
Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data. National Indigenous Australians Agency. Accessed April 2026. https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/data-evaluation-and-research/framework-governance-indigenous-data-gid
Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Principles. Maiam nayri Wingara. 2018. Accessed April 2026. https://www.maiamnayriwingara.org/
FAIR Principles. GO FAIR. 2016. Accessed April 2026. https://www.go-fair.org/fair-principles/
CARE Principles. Global Indigenous Data Allian ce. Accessed April 2026. https://www.gida-global.org/care
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Principles. CSIRO. Updated May 2024. Accessed April 2026. https://www.csiro.au/en/about/Policies/Science-and-Delivery-Policy/Indigenous-Cultural-and-Intellectual-Property-Principles

Is the Stocktake missing evidence?

Share additional information for potential future Assessments