Data sovereignty means that Mi’kmaw people have the right to control their own data — information about their lives, communities, and lands. It’s about ownership and protection, but also about self-determination. When we decide what stories are told with our data, we shape how others see us — and how we see ourselves.
For generations, information about Indigenous peoples was collected by outsiders. Often, that data was used without permission or understanding of Mi’kmaw values. Today, data sovereignty ensures that research follows the principles of OCAP® — Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession. These principles protect community rights, guide ethical research, and build trust.
In short: our data is our story, and our story should always be told by us.