Finding answers that are adapted to benefit the First Nations 

Indigenous populations are in the best position to collect and manage data that affects them, making sure that it represents their realities. Recognizing that Indigenous peoples are the experts on their own history, experiences and knowledge is the first step to avoiding problems inherent to non-Indigenous data management.

When data is managed by non-Indigenous organizations, a power imbalance tends to prioritize non-Indigenous interests. As well, Indigenous peoples are not always kept informed about the way their data is used. 

The NETWORK project aims to remedy these problems and re-centre data collection around the needs and priorities of Indigenous communities by integrating their knowledge and creating data management structures that are more responsible and more transparent. Collecting data by and for Indigenous peoples will also help us find better adapted answers that can fully benefit populations.