Tribal and First Nation Perspectives on Privacy and Data – A Practical Approach

Cheri-Lee Atkinson, Senior Legal Advisor, Governance and Legal, Waikato-Tainui 

Gregory Holden, Governance and Strategy Manager, CSIRO 

Gwendoline Keel, General Manager, Governance and Legal, Waikato-Tainui

This session explores how concepts of privacy, data and cultural knowledge are understood and managed in Indigenous contexts across Aotearoa|New Zealand and Australia. This unique group of speakers will move beyond theory and share practical approaches and experiences, aiming to build confidence among those working alongside Indigenous groups.

Cheri-Lee Atkinson (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Kāi Tahu) will discuss how Maaori entities may approach and navigate these concepts in practice.

Gregory Holden (a Dunghutti, Worimi, Biripi man) will share examples from Australia’s National Science Organisation, the CSIRO, on acknowledging, celebrating and protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) in institutional settings.

Gwendoline Keel (New Zealand European) will offer insights as a Paakeha lawyer working in a kaupapa Maaori environment, and share learnings pertinent to the topic gained from her master’s research into the use and design of AI tools by the New Zealand government.

What you will learn:

• Practical methods for respecting ICIP when partnering with Indigenous communities.
• Examples of data governance that reflect Indigenous world views within Western legal systems.
• Confidence-building insights for professionals working alongside Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maaori communities.