The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and Data Governance/Mawkim team is hosting the Mawkim Data Sovereignty Forum on October 22 – 23, 2025 at Delta Dartmouth, Halifax. The forum goal is to provide data sovereignty information for First Nations communities to reclaim control over their data and knowledge. This environment creates a space for First Nations communities, researchers, leadership, and non-First Nations allies to discuss First Nation research and data sovereignty. The forum will also include the official announcement of Mawkim; the regional data centre which is in development to serve the Mi’kmaq communities within Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Target Audience:

• First Nations community members (Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Youth, Health Directors, and community members)
• First Nations researchers and academics (Research professionals and students)
• First Nations and non-First Nations government (Regional Chiefs, Chiefs & Councils, and non-First Nations government officials that involve in decision-making and policy development)
• Non-First nations researchers and academics (Research professionals, students, and universities, that are seeking to learn about Indigenous Research Methodologies and Data Sovereignty)
• Professionals from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations

The forum will feature workshops, panels, and presentations led by Knowledge Keepers, researchers, community members, leadership, and professionals, all focused on advancing First Nations data sovereignty and research. Discussions will explore pathways to strengthen community capacity and develop strategies to assert data sovereignty.