Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Intergovernmental Organization
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 1: Justin Langan, Civil Society, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Jason Wolbert, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Cale Kirkpatrick, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Jason Wolbert, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Cale Kirkpatrick, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: A roundtable format ensures that all voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—are heard in an open, participatory setting. This layout fosters collaborative problem-solving, making it ideal for discussing Indigenous digital sovereignty, a topic that requires diverse perspectives from policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and technology experts. The 90-minute duration provides ample time for expert insights (panel discussion), interactive breakout groups, and a collaborative synthesis of ideas. This format supports the session’s goal of generating actionable policy recommendations and fostering long-term partnerships. Additionally, it ensures meaningful hybrid participation, allowing online attendees to engage equally with in-person participants.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: A roundtable format ensures that all voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—are heard in an open, participatory setting. This layout fosters collaborative problem-solving, making it ideal for discussing Indigenous digital sovereignty, a topic that requires diverse perspectives from policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and technology experts. The 90-minute duration provides ample time for expert insights (panel discussion), interactive breakout groups, and a collaborative synthesis of ideas. This format supports the session’s goal of generating actionable policy recommendations and fostering long-term partnerships. Additionally, it ensures meaningful hybrid participation, allowing online attendees to engage equally with in-person participants.
Policy Question(s)
A. How can governments, private sector actors, and civil society collaborate to support Indigenous digital sovereignty while ensuring equitable access to the Internet?
B. What policies and governance frameworks are needed to protect Indigenous data sovereignty, ensuring that Indigenous communities control their digital resources and information?
C. How can international organizations and multistakeholder initiatives, such as the IGF, integrate Indigenous perspectives into global discussions on digital rights and access?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous digital sovereignty and its critical role in addressing digital inequities. They will learn about community-driven solutions for improving digital access, including Indigenous-led broadband networks, culturally responsive digital literacy programs, and ethical data governance frameworks.
Attendees will hear diverse perspectives from Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and technologists, offering insights into how digital policies can respect Indigenous rights while fostering sustainable connectivity. They will also explore practical policy recommendations and strategies for supporting Indigenous participation in global digital governance.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable tools and best practices for building inclusive, rights-based digital infrastructure and a renewed commitment to ensuring that Indigenous communities are equal partners in shaping the future of the Internet.
SDGs
Description:
Indigenous communities worldwide face significant challenges in accessing, participating in, and shaping digital spaces. Digital sovereignty—the right of Indigenous Peoples to govern their digital presence, data, and connectivity—has become a crucial issue as digital technologies evolve. This workshop will explore how Indigenous digital sovereignty can be advanced through inclusive policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and community-led technology solutions. By bridging the digital divide, ensuring meaningful connectivity, and promoting Indigenous-led governance in digital spaces, this session will contribute to global efforts toward a more equitable digital future.
Indigenous communities worldwide face significant challenges in accessing, participating in, and shaping digital spaces. Digital sovereignty—the right of Indigenous Peoples to govern their digital presence, data, and connectivity—has become a crucial issue as digital technologies evolve. This workshop will explore how Indigenous digital sovereignty can be advanced through inclusive policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and community-led technology solutions. By bridging the digital divide, ensuring meaningful connectivity, and promoting Indigenous-led governance in digital spaces, this session will contribute to global efforts toward a more equitable digital future.
Expected Outcomes
The session will produce policy recommendations for integrating Indigenous digital sovereignty into global Internet governance discussions, aiming to inform policymakers, civil society, and industry leaders. Participants will gain practical strategies for supporting Indigenous-led digital inclusion initiatives, such as community broadband projects and culturally responsive digital literacy programs.
A key output will be a summary report outlining best practices and policy pathways for advancing Indigenous digital rights, which will be shared with IGF stakeholders and relevant international bodies. Additionally, the session will facilitate new collaborations between Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and digital rights organizations, fostering ongoing dialogue.
The session will also serve as a springboard for future engagement, potentially leading to follow-up workshops, advocacy initiatives, or contributions to multilateral frameworks addressing digital equity and Indigenous governance.
Hybrid Format: Facilitating Interaction
A dedicated online moderator will manage virtual engagement, ensuring that online participants can ask questions, contribute to discussions, and engage in breakout activities.
Live polling (via Slido or Mentimeter) will be used to gauge participant perspectives in real time.
A shared digital whiteboard (e.g., Miro, Padlet) will allow all participants to contribute insights, fostering collaboration between onsite and online attendees.
Enhancing the Hybrid Experience
Breakout groups (both virtual and onsite) will discuss key themes, with online participants assigned to virtual breakout rooms.
A live chat feature will allow ongoing interaction, ensuring that remote voices are included in discussions.
Real-time captioning will be provided to improve accessibility.