Our Approach to Data Stewardship
CSFS stewards research data in ways that honour community governance, cultural protocol and participant privacy.
Our approach is grounded in respect for stories, community authority over information, culturally safe data practices and OCAP® principles. These guide how data is handled from the moment it is collected to the time it is shared or archived.
What the Strategy Covers
The CSFS Research Data Management Strategy guides how researchers and staff:
collect information
store files securely
manage access and permissions
protect participant identity
share, report or publish findings
handle long-term retention and disposal
Each step ensures that communities maintain control over their stories and information.
Data Responsibilities for Researchers
Before Your Study Begins
- Plan secure data collection and storage
- Outline who will access data and why
- Confirm Nation-level expectations around use and sharing
- Describe data handling in your ethics application
During Your Project
- Store data securely
- Restrict access to approved team members
- Use encrypted devices or secure institutional systems
- Maintain accurate records
- Follow Nation and CSFS guidance on cultural protocols
Ask the Research team if you’re unsure whether certain content is culturally sensitive.
After Your Project Ends
- Finalize data storage
- Submit your Study Closure Report
- Follow retention timelines
- Secure or destroy data as required
- Ensure communities receive agreed-upon results or summaries
CSFS can guide you on culturally safe reporting.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
CSFS upholds Indigenous data sovereignty through:
OCAP® Principles
Ownership, Control, Access and Possession guide how data is governed and ensure communities remain the authority over their information.
Nation-Led Decision Making
Member Nations determine how research moves forward, how data is interpreted, and what is shared back with communities.
Culturally Grounded Protocols
Data practices reflect Carrier and Sekani cultural expectations, including how sensitive knowledge is handled and protected.
Shared Ownership of Outcomes
Research findings are understood as community knowledge. Nations help guide how results are reported, translated or archived.
All research conducted through CSFS must follow these expectations and honour Nation-specific protocols for the stewardship of stories, teachings and community experience.
Data Storage & Security Requirements
Approved Storage Options
Researchers may use:
- Encrypted institutional servers
- Approved university platforms
- Secure CSFS-provided storage (if applicable)
External cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) may not be permitted unless approved.
Protecting Participant Identity
Researchers must:
- remove direct identifiers
- store consent forms separately
- keep key files encrypted
- use ID codes instead of names
Contact the Research team if your project collects sensitive cultural or personal information.
Sharing, Publishing and Reporting Data
Before sharing or publishing findings:
- follow your approved protocol
- confirm Nation expectations
- protect participant confidentiality
- ensure OCAP® principles are honoured
- check for cultural considerations or restrictions
If you plan knowledge translation activities, discuss them early with the Research Team.
Contact
Quality & Innovation Team
We encourage early questions — especially if your project involves culturally sensitive knowledge or Nation-specific protocols.
Ready to Begin?
Review data responsibilities before submitting your application.