The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) affirms that tribal nations are independent governments and should have full control over their healthcare data.
What happened
At the HIMSS25 conference in Las Vegas, Kimberly Blackhorse, tribal health data specialist at CDPHE's Office of Health Equity, spoke on the importance of tribal sovereignty in public health. She stressed that tribal nations, as independent governments, should have control over data gathered by, for, and about them. Blackhorse's team is dedicated to implementing tribal data sovereignty principles in data-sharing agreements, assuring that tribes determine how their data is viewed, stored, and accessed.
The backstory
Tribal sovereignty in the United States acknowledges tribes as distinct political entities with inherent rights predating the U.S. government. This sovereignty includes the authority to govern their people and manage resources, including data. Historically, data about Indigenous communities has been collected and used without their consent, leading to misrepresentation and mistrust. The movement for Indigenous data sovereignty seeks to rectify these injustices by ensuring tribes have control over their data, aligning with their cultural values and governance structures.
What was said
Blackhorse stated, "They are their own government, and with that comes unique identifiers and deliverables, and we have created an entire team to allow them to have access to those funds that come from the federal government."
She further emphasized, "My team has focused on working with tribal data sovereignty, making it accessible at the state level, and helping internal programs understand its uniqueness and importance."
In the know
According to cybersecurity experts, maintaining data sovereignty has become challenging due to data being stored and transmitted across multiple jurisdictions. This issue is relevant for tribes, as data is often used for economic, political, and social purposes.
Why it matters
Recognizing tribal data sovereignty makes certain that tribes maintain control over sensitive health information, reducing the risk of misuse and ensuring equitable access to healthcare funding. It also sets a precedent for other states to follow in respecting tribal governance and autonomy.
FAQs
What is data sovereignty?
Data sovereignty refers to the right of a nation or group, such as a tribal community, to control the collection, storage, and use of its data.
Why is data sovereignty important for tribal nations?
Data sovereignty allows tribal nations to have control over their own data, ensuring it is used for their benefit rather than being exploited by outside organizations.
How does this impact healthcare funding for tribes?
Recognizing data sovereignty allows tribal nations to access federal healthcare funding more efficiently.
How does this fit into the broader movement for tribal sovereignty?
Data sovereignty is an extension of tribal sovereignty, reinforcing the idea that tribal governments have the right to self-determination, including control over their resources, governance, and data.
