Microcredential

Indigenous Knowledges and Data Sovereignty

Learn to evaluate, design, and/or design conservation projects through an Indigenous Data Sovereignty lens. Build your capacity to recognize extractive data practices and build ethical, accountable partnerships that respect Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and rights to advance and deliver more effective Indigenous-led conservation projects and partnerships.

$399

Total: Course cost

15 hours to complete

Duration

Online - self-paced
Earn a credential

Overview

This course introduces conservation professionals to the principles and practices of Indigenous Knowledge and Data Sovereignty (IDSov), so they can critically assess, design, and redesign initiatives with Indigenous communities as governing partners.

Key Benefits:

  • Recognize extractive data practices
  • Apply CARE, OCAP, and FPIC frameworks to real decisions
  • Redesign engagement, consent, and data governance structures
  • Navigate institutional constraints and competing incentives
  • Communicate IDSov principles to colleagues and stakeholders

What's Included:

  • Three applied modules with real-world case studies
  • A capstone project audit and redesign you can use professionally
  • Practical decision tools (ethical technology audits, consent design)

You'll leave prepared to act as an accountable partner to Indigenous communities in conservation and data work.

Course Modules

Understand what Indigenous knowledge and data sovereignty are and why they matter. Build your literacy of relational epistemologies, the difference between Indigenous and Western concepts of data and ownership, sovereignty as governance, and common failure modes like tokenistic engagement and extractive "legacy data." Practice two-eyed seeing and applying both eyes to conservation projects.

Certificate programs

This course is a part of the following certificate programs:

Global Conservation Leadership (Forestry and Indigenous Knowledges)
Global Conservation Leadership (Forestry and Indigenous Knowledges)
$997
Global Conservation Leadership (Tourism and Indigenous Knowledges)
Global Conservation Leadership (Tourism and Indigenous Knowledges)
$997
Global Conservation Leadership (Technology and Indigenous Knowledges)
Global Conservation Leadership (Technology and Indigenous Knowledges)
$997
Global Conservation Leadership (Habitat Mapping and Indigenous Knowledges)
Global Conservation Leadership (Habitat Mapping and Indigenous Knowledges)
$997
Global Conservation Leadership (Finance and Indigenous Knowledges)
Global Conservation Leadership (Finance and Indigenous Knowledges)
$997

Who this course is designed for

This course is designed for conservation professionals working in policy, research, or field programs who collaborate with Indigenous peoples or local communities. It's especially valuable for NGO, government, and donor staff seeking to understand FPIC, Indigenous governance frameworks, and ethical data practices, as well as researchers, data managers, and program leads aiming to strengthen co-design, co-management, and culturally grounded conservation approaches.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Evaluate conservation and data projects through an Indigenous Data Sovereignty lens

  • Design or adapt projects to better align with Indigenous governance, consent, and stewardship practices

  • Identify and mitigate extractive or harmful data practices

  • Engage more appropriately and respectfully with Indigenous communities

  • Communicate the importance of Indigenous knowledges and data sovereignty to colleagues and stakeholders

 

Practical skills you will develop

This program equips learners with vital skills to thrive in today's complex workforce. Key skills include:

Stakeholder engagement
Conservation planning
Indigenous studies
Data ethics
Data governance
Community outreach

These skills directly apply to these careers

Public Relations Manager

Plans and directs communications strategies to enhance an organization’s public image and manage stakeholder relationships.

Median Salary: $119,860

Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Leads data strategy, governance, analytics, and AI integration across the organization to drive innovation and informed decision-making.

Median Salary: $217,000

Program support

Contact
Have additional questions?

Please reach out to the program administrators ConservationFuturesAcademy@exchange.asu.edu for assistance with your course content related questions.

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