Indigenous scientists are fighting to protect their data — and their culture

Indigenous scientists are fighting to protect their data and their culture.

The Trump administration’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI ) is spurring scientists and researchers from Indigenous communities to seek new protections for their data.

Indigenous communities are worried that the loss, theft, seizure, or privatization of their research could be next.

Indigenous data sovereignty is about stewarding the cultures and autonomies of Indigenous peoples.

Big Tech companies in the US , like Google , Microsoft , Amazon , and Meta , have long collaborated with law enforcement agencies to hand over users’ private data.

Indigenous peoples in unincorporated US territories, like Guam , Puerto Rico , and the US Virgin Islands , face unique challenges around Indigenous Data sovereignty.

The data was jointly controlled by scientists and the tribal communities during the research.

Now, the relevant communities have access to the information as long as they like without having to seek permission or jump through hoops.

Desi Small-Rodriguez , executive director of the Data Warriors Lab and UCLA sociology professor, is drafting a tribal law to protect ancestral knowledge.