The Miiyupimatisiiun Research Data Archives Project: putting OCAP® principles into practice

Purpose The aim of this paper is to document the operationalization of the OCAP® principles in the context of the work of a medical anthropologist and Whapmagoostui First Nation (FN). The authors describe their recent collaboration with Whapmagoostui FN to digitize and transfer the research data archive to the community. Design/methodology/approach Beginning with a description of the data collection process from the late 1980s to early 1990s, this study describes recent efforts to digitize the research data archive and work with Whapmagoostui FN to develop a plan for access and safekeeping. The authors focus on the work required to implement the OCAP® principles locally, including the need to address questions of ownership rights/transfer, information technology systems and community capacity. Findings This study describes the necessary work that is required to operationalize the OCAP® principles on a local level, including obstacles to this work. This study also underscores how the process of OCAP® implementation is distinct for each community and research context. Based on these considerations, the authors calls for increased resources and new legal mechanisms in support of achieving indigenous data sovereignty (IDSov) in FNs, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study makes an original contribution to the literature on IDSov. This study provides a valuable case study, illustrating how the OCAP® principles can be operationalized in the context of a longstanding partnership between an academic researcher and an indigenous community.