Congratulations to Associate Professor Brian Houle for his recently awarded ARC Linkage grant delivering Anindilyakwa data governance.

Achieving self-determination for First Nations peoples requires empowering communities in the collection and application of their own data for evidence-based decision-making. This project aims to provide an exemplary model of Indigenous data governance for the Anindilyakwa people in Groote Eylandt.

Using innovative research methods and partnership models, the project will develop and evaluate a community-governed information platform and the means to leverage it for sustained, targeted, community-led interventions. Expected outcomes include enhanced Anindilyakwa self-determination, and new best practice knowledge for implementing such platforms elsewhere—providing a potential model for other First Nations communities across Australia.

Professor Houle will be leading this project in conjunction with other investigators: Professor John Taylor (ANU School of Computing); Mr Jonah Lafferty (Anindilyakwa Data Unit Coordinator) and Professor Edith Gray (ANU School of Demography).

This four-year project aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap recommendations. It will be developed in partnership with the Anindilyakwa Land Council which represents the 2,000+ Traditional Owners of the Groote archipelago in the Northern Territory.