A scan of Indigenous data in an institutional data repository

Abstract

The Data Repository for the University of Minnesota (DRUM) is an open access (fully available to the public) institutional data repository. DRUM accepts Indigenous data into the repository utilizing informal practices (i.e., requests for data use agreement [DUA] between researcher and Tribal Agency) and no formal policies. As a first step toward incorporating the CARE Principles into DRUM’s workflow and policies, we proposed a project in partnership with Data Services Continuing Professional Education (DSCPE), a ten-week experience that connected Alicia Zuniga (CSUS) with Wanda Marsolek and Shanda Hunt (UMN).

The DSCPE project - which occurred September through November 2024 - included several vital activities performed by Zuniga which led to the following outputs: 1) list of search terms related to Indigenous data in Minnesota; 2) spreadsheet of those datasets that captures the level of Indigenous consent that was given to share the data publicly; 3) resource list of policies, practices, and documents related to Indigenous data; 4) recommendations for DRUM based on findings and the DSCPE experience; and 5) map of this process so that others, including DRUM staff, can implement and build on the important groundwork established by Zuniga. This digital record includes a protocol (outputs #1 and #5) and a recommendations report (outputs #3 and #4).