Indigenizing Data and Research Methodologies Training Course

Indigenizing Data and Research Methodologies Training Course

Introduction

Indigenizing Data and Research Methodologies Training Course is a transformative learning program designed to equip participants with culturally grounded and ethically responsible approaches to data and research. By centering Indigenous worldviews, epistemologies, and community-led strategies, the course emphasizes decolonized, community-engaged research practices that support self-determination, sovereignty, and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. Participants will gain the critical tools to engage with data in ways that uphold cultural integrity and foster inclusive, reciprocal research relationships.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of data science and research, it is crucial to challenge colonial paradigms and embed Indigenous methodologies that prioritize relational accountability, storytelling, community narratives, and holistic approaches. This course offers scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners an opportunity to deepen their understanding of ethical Indigenous research practices while applying these insights to real-world case studies across sectors. Through interactive modules, participants will learn to dismantle biases, promote data justice, and co-create knowledge with Indigenous communities.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the foundations of Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews.
2. Explore ethical frameworks in decolonizing research methodologies.
3. Identify culturally responsive data governance strategies.
4. Apply community-led participatory research approaches.
5. Integrate storytelling and oral traditions in qualitative research.
6. Examine Indigenous data sovereignty and rights-based frameworks.
7. Foster relational accountability in Indigenous research partnerships.
8. Analyze the impacts of colonialism on knowledge production systems.
9. Navigate Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) with Indigenous protocols.
10. Build culturally safe research environments and teams.
11. Utilize digital tools for Indigenous data management and storytelling.
12. Develop intersectional and trauma-informed research practices.
13. Design inclusive and justice-oriented evaluation frameworks.

Target Audiences

1. Academic researchers and graduate students in social sciences and humanities.
2. Indigenous scholars, knowledge keepers, and elders.
3. Data analysts and evaluators working with Indigenous communities.
4. Non-profit organizations engaging in community-based research.
5. Government and policy advisors in Indigenous affairs.
6. Educators and curriculum developers.
7. Public health professionals and epidemiologists.
8. NGO staff and development practitioners.

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Indigenous Knowledge Systems

• Key principles of Indigenous worldviews and cosmologies
• Differences between Western and Indigenous knowledge paradigms
• Community knowledge, oral histories, and storytelling
• Epistemic justice and decolonization
• Ethical use of Indigenous knowledge
• Case Study: Maori knowledge systems in environmental policy

Module 2: Decolonizing Research Methodologies

• Colonial impacts on research institutions
• Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s decolonizing methodologies
• Power dynamics in research
• Research as resistance and healing
• Research positionality and reflexivity
• Case Study: Inuit-led research on climate change

Module 3: Indigenous Data Sovereignty

• Definition and significance of Indigenous data sovereignty
• Principles from the CARE and OCAP frameworks
• Indigenous ownership and control of data
• Challenges in mainstream data infrastructures
• Governance models for Indigenous datasets
• Case Study: First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

Module 4: Participatory and Community-Based Approaches

• Principles of participatory action research (PAR)
• Strengths-based and asset-based frameworks
• Building equitable community partnerships
• Roles of co-researchers and co-authorship
• Participatory dissemination practices
• Case Study: Native Hawaiian health equity research project

Module 5: Indigenous Ethical Research Protocols

• Tribal research review boards and sovereignty
• Cultural safety and informed consent
• Protocols for engaging elders and community leaders
• Spiritual, cultural, and ceremonial considerations
• Confidentiality and data sharing agreements
• Case Study: Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board

Module 6: Indigenous Story work and Narrative Inquiry

• Use of story work in Indigenous research (Archibald’s principles)
• Integrating sacred stories, songs, and traditions
• Methodological rigor in narrative inquiry
• Story as pedagogy and resistance
• Multimedia storytelling and digital archives
• Case Study: Story work with Stolo Nation educators

Module 7: Indigenous Evaluation and Impact Assessment

• Community-defined success and outcomes
• Holistic and circular evaluation models
• Cultural indicators and Indigenous metrics
• Decolonizing logic models and theories of change
• Community feedback loops and knowledge mobilization
• Case Study: Yupik approach to education program evaluation

Module 8: Digital Tools and Innovations in Indigenous Research

 

• GIS, mapping, and Indigenous place-based knowledge
• Indigenous control of digital archives and repositories
• Ethical considerations in data digitization
• Blockchain and metadata for cultural protection
• Digital storytelling tools and platforms
• Case Study: Mapuche community mapping and land defense

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with Indigenous and allied instructors
• Culturally grounded case study analysis and reflection
• Collaborative group projects and peer feedback
• Digital tools and experiential activities
• Community-led research simulations and real-world exercises
• Access to Indigenous-authored toolkits and resource libraries

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.