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(Data) Reconciliation

Moving from compliance to commitment, performative to purposeful.

The Iceberg Framework: Supporting the Journey to (Data) Reconciliation 

True reconciliation doesn't begin at the surface - it begins below, in the deep waters of relationship, reflection, and readiness. At Wabusk Data Solutions, we work alongside organizations through a multi-phase process we call the Iceberg Framework. It honours the unseen work beneath the surface that makes reconciliation declarations possible. 

Our work begins beneath the waterline, helping organizations look inward, exploring your organizational culture, existing practices, and your relationship to Indigenous Peoples and data. We support you in identifying the systems, biases, and policies that need to shift. These are the uncomfortable conversations where meaningful reconciliACTION begins.

It includes:

  • Relationship Building: Time spent in introductions, and understanding our service model.
  • "Pathway with Purpose" Tool: A guided reflection and readiness process for organizations committed to meaningful change. This process helps your team (and ours) understand how your organization engages with Indigenous data rights, ethical practices, relational accountability, and your responsibilities in a colonial data environment. 

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Once there is clarity about where your organization stands, we move into capacity-building support that's tailored to your role in reconciliation. These services are guided by what was identified and recommended in the "Pathway with Purpose" tool. It may include:

  • Developing a data governance framework and/or aligning with existing frameworks within your jurisdiction 
  • Policy audits and rewrites
  • Cultural safety and digital ethics training
  • Relational support for Indigenous partnerships
  • Technology and privacy consultations
  • Technical support for secure data storage, cybersecurity, and system audits. 
  • Stakeholder advocacy; protocol agreement; data sharing agreements 
  • Data repatriation support

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The visible part of reconciliation is what's often easiest to perform - but hardest to do well. We don't teach you how to read a land acknowledgment script we teach you how to give #databack and be in good relations with Indigenous Peoples. We do this by supporting your organization to feel 

We have a Nation-led framework to assert our data sovereignty rooted in our Natural laws, values, and vision for future generations.

  • We control how our stories are collected, accessed, stored, interpreted, and shared - on our own terms. 
  • We have clear, living policies and protocols that reflect our sovereignty and jurisdiction to protect our stories with outside researchers, consultants, or governments.
  • We have leadership and a community who understand our data rights, privacy, ethics, and how to assert control over our stories - knowledge is held within our Nation. 
  • We have built internal capacity - our Nation has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead data-driven decisions that serve our people.
  • We are recognized as rights holders of our data and the decision-makers - partners respect our authority and work within our governance frameworks.

Additionally, you will be able to make 4 declarations determined by you during the "Ready to Walk Together" tool that emerge from your Nation's voice, strengthened by the journey we take together. 

READY TO Walk the Pathway with purpose?

Start your journey below the surface. Let's build the path toward digital and data sovereignty together, with care, respect, and strength. 

Let's Connect!