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Communications of the Association for Information Systems

Author ORCID Identifier

Jacqueline Corbett: 0000-0001-6025-5740

Alexander Q. H. Chung: 0000-0002-7933-6089

Janaina Aniceto: 0000-0002-8356-5095

Abstract

The substantial body of knowledge around the development of information systems (IS) is based predominantly on Western perspectives that create biases and marginalize Indigenous peoples, cultures, and worldviews. To counter past and ongoing effects of colonialism, Indigenous communities are pursuing strategies aligned with digital sovereignty. Digital sovereignty gives Indigenous peoples control over the development, deployment, and use of digital technologies within their communities and on their territories. Integrating Indigenous digital sovereignty within IS development processes requires new understandings and approaches, especially by non-Indigenous Western-trained professionals. This paper introduces the concept of Indigenous digital sovereignty to the IS community and discusses its implications for information systems development practice and research. The findings emerge from an action design research project conducted with W8banaki Nation that involved a 15-month IS artifact co-creation and development process. Through this process, a fishing logbook mobile application was co-developed with the Nation for use by W8banakiak fishers. Reflections on this experience led to eight guiding principles that can serve as a sensitizing framework for allies working in support of Indigenous digital sovereignty. By learning more about Indigenous worldviews and adopting new practices, the IS community can assist in crafting pathways for better self-determined futures of Indigenous peoples.

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