The University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries are now a subscriber to Local Contexts.
“This subscription by UMass highlights how important the recognition of Indigenous data sovereignty is across the university ecosystem,” says Jane Anderson, Co-Founder, Council Vice Chair, and Strategic Advisor of Local Contexts. “Changing research practices means addressing missing Indigenous provenance information in already existing collections and supporting current researchers working in partnership with Indigenous communities. This also shows the flexibility of Local Contexts tools and the diversity of spaces where Indigenous data is held and generated—from the library, to specific departments, to the publishing arm. With this subscription, UMass is leading the way for transformational practice that connects Indigenous cultural authority back to already existing collections and ongoing research relationships.”
“With our Hub account now active, the UMass Amherst Libraries can serve as a core partner when it comes to supporting data sovereignty and strengthening relations with Indigenous communities,” adds Brandon Castle, Native and Indigenous Studies Librarian. “Local Contexts tools, such as Notices, allow for our academic community to prioritize Indigenous interests related to cultural knowledge and data throughout the research process. We look forward to working with campus partners, such as the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledge (CBIKS), who are interested in piloting and implementing Local Contexts tools into their research and projects.”
From NSF CBIKS: “We appreciate the support from the University Libraries and look forward to utilizing Local Contexts tools to contribute to our fundamental mission to effectively and ethically braid Indigenous Knowledges with Western science. The Labels and Notices recognize community provenance and promote research relationships which center connection, inclusion, and community protocols for accessing data. Embracing Indigenous data sovereignty through this subscription will help CBIKS and UMass create transformative, positive impacts on research practice, and the university community.”
See the press release on UMass Amherst Libraries’ website.
