From conversations to community insight
The Data Sovereignty & Press Freedom Field Guide grew out of listening sessions with tribal leaders and community members. They spoke about who controls their data, how press access affects trust, and the need for Native-led solutions. At IMFA, we shaped those insights into a framework for stronger governance and greater transparency.
This field guide reflects honest, often urgent exchanges about what’s working, what’s missing, and where we go from here.
What’s at stake?
Empowering self-determination through data governance: the pillars of tribal technological sovereignty
Sovereignty & ownership
Control of data is non-negotiable — yet many records remain in outside hands.
Press freedom & transparency
Few tribes have free press laws; access often depends on who is in office.
Information systems and capacity
Strengthening internal data systems builds capacity for self-governance.
External relationships
Trust erodes when tribes never receive their own data back from external entities.
Cultural protection & heritage
Language and heritage data deserve the same sovereignty as land and water.
Learn more
Explore how data sovereignty shapes Native-led governance and why it matters for press freedom and community trust.
Join the conversation
This work continues through IMFA’s reporting and our continued conversations with Native communities about data, transparency, and governance. We invite tribes, journalists, and data professionals to use this field guide in community discussions and governance planning.