Tribal Data Sovereignty

Our Commitment

The Columbia University Northern Plains Superfund Research Program is dedicated to upholding Tribal Data Sovereignty by ensuring that Indigenous communities retain authority over their data. We recognize that environmental health research must be conducted in partnership with Tribal nations, respecting their governance and cultural values.

As part of this commitment, we have developed a training for all incoming researchers and students to ensure they understand the principles of Tribal Data Sovereignty and the importance of ethical, community-driven research. Through collaboration, we work with Tribal communities to co-develop research approaches, sharing findings responsibly, and support community-led decision making. 

By prioritizing transparency and trust, we strive to ensure that our research benefits communities while respecting their sovereignty.