Stewardship & Accountability
Protecting Mi’kmaw Knowledge
Mawkim’s role is to ensure Mi’kmaw data remains protected, used ethically, and accessible to our communities. We safeguard it, protect it, and ensure it serves our people first. Our policies are more than legal requirements; they are commitments to transparency, trust, and self-determined knowledge-sharing.
About Mawkim
Who We Are & Why We Exist
For generations, the Mi’kmaq have been the stewards of their own stories, passing down knowledge through oral traditions, ceremonies, and lived experiences. However, with the advent of colonialism, much of this knowledge was appropriated, misrepresented, or controlled by external entities. Data about Mi’kmaw communities was often collected without consent, stored without accessibility, and utilized in ways that did not benefit, and sometimes even harmed, our people.
In response to this historical injustice, the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) established the Information Governance & Data Projects (IGDP) office, known as Mawkim, to reclaim control over Mi’kmaw data. Founded in 1969, UNSM has been a unifying political voice for the Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia, expanding over the decades to offer services in capacity development, health and wellness, and information governance.
Mawkim operates under the UNSM umbrella, ensuring that Mi’kmaw communities govern our own information.
Protecting Mi’kmaw Sovereignty Over Data and Research
We uphold the First Nations principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession), asserting our inherent right to govern our information.
Ensuring Transparency in Data Practices
We are committed to clear and open processes regarding how data is collected, used, and shared, fostering trust within our communities.
Holding Researchers Accountable
Through the Eskinuapimk (the Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch or MEW), we review and oversee research proposals to ensure they align with Mi’kmaw values and benefit our people.
Building Capacity for Community-Driven Change
We provide tools, training, and resources to empower Mi’kmaw individuals and communities to manage and utilize data effectively, supporting self-determination and informed decision-making.
Mawkim is a commitment to self-determination, responsible governance, and the protection of Mi’kmaw knowledge. By reclaiming our data sovereignty, we honor our ancestors, empower our present, and safeguard our future.
Our Commitment to Ethical Governance
Mawkim upholds policies that ensure:
Data sovereignty is protected
Mi’kmaw communities decide how their data is collected, used, and shared.
Research follows ethical guidelines
All research must align with Mi’kmaw values and OCAP® principles.
Transparency and accountability
No data is used without informed consent and clear purpose.
Research & Data Governance - How We Collect & Use Data
Mi’kmaw data is not public property. These policies ensure that all research and data use align with our sovereignty and ethical standards.
OCAP® Principles
Indigenous control over research and data.
- Mi’kmaw people have Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession over data involving their communities.
- No research or data collection occurs without explicit Mi’kmaw consent.
Ethical Research Guidelines
Standards for conducting research in Mi’kma’ki.
- All research must follow Mi’kmaw knowledge protection protocols.
- Researchers must demonstrate clear community benefits before approval.
- Informed consent is required for all participants involved in research.
Data Access & Sharing Agreements
Rules for institutions requesting to use Mi’kmaw data.
- Institutions requesting Mi’kmaw data must obtain approval and follow strict governance protocols.
- Data shared with external partners must adhere to ethical and security standards.
- Any violation of data-sharing agreements results in access termination.
Privacy & Security
How research data is stored and protected.
- Research data must be stored securely and protected from unauthorized access.
- Sensitive information is only accessible to authorized individuals following ethical review.
- Strict confidentiality measures apply to any research involving Mi’kmaw participants.
Website & Privacy Policies
Clear, transparent policies ensure that all visitors to this site understand their rights, privacy, and how we manage information.
Privacy Policy
How we collect, store, and protect user data.
- We do not collect personal information unless voluntarily provided.
- Any data submitted through forms is stored securely and used only for the stated purpose.
- We never sell, trade, or share user data with third parties without consent.
Terms of Use
The rules for using this website and accessing resources.
- Users may access public resources and content for personal and educational purposes.
- All materials on this site, including research and data, are governed by Mi’kmaw knowledge protection protocols.
- Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of restricted content is prohibited.
Security & Cookies
How we ensure the safety of user information.
- This website uses cookies to improve user experience and site performance.
- We implement strong security measures to protect against unauthorized access, misuse, or alteration of information.
Mawkim Governance Policies
These policies guide how the Mawkim team works, ensuring ethical operations, transparency, and accountability.
Community Engagement & Consultation Policies
How we interact with Mi’kmaw communities.
- All engagements with Mi’kmaw communities are based on mutual respect and informed consent.
- Consultations prioritize community-driven priorities, not external interests.
- Feedback from Mi’kmaw people is actively incorporated into our work.
Internal Data Management
How we handle and protect information within Mawkim.
- Data collected and stored by Mawkim is held securely and managed with integrity.
- Access to sensitive data is restricted to authorized personnel following ethical protocols.
- Information management follows Mi’kmaw governance principles to protect sovereignty.
Decision-Making & Oversight
The governance structure behind our work.
- Mawkim operates under the guidance of Mi’kmaw leadership and UNSM.
- Decisions affecting research, data, or policies must align with Mi’kmaw self-governance principles.
- Ethical oversight ensures transparency, fairness, and accountability in all decision-making processes.