Advancing Administrative Data Justice Through Indigenous Representation and Co-Governance Methodologies

Objective: This study addresses ongoing statistical erasure of Indigenous populations, specifically American Indian and Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The primary aim is to introduce a methodological approach to administrative data use that advances antiracism and decoloniality by engraining representation and co-governance into the entire data lifecycle. Method: Conceptual integration of relevant literature and community-based praxis are woven together to inform the co-governance and engagement for administrative data as indigenist research (CEADIR) model. Indigenist research approaches, Indigenous data sovereignty and governance frameworks, and antiracist methodologies are applied to the context of administrative data systems. Results: The CEADIR model offers concrete pathways to limiting harms and maximizing the potential of administrative data in representing Indigenous communities and meeting pressing social and health data needs. Co-governance, oversight, and sustainable, well-resourced partnerships are central to this approach. Conclusions: This paper underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous data sovereignty and antiracist frameworks into the development of administrative data systems. There are significant implications of this work for future research, policy, and practice, particularly in enhancing the visibility and self-determination of Indigenous communities within the U.S. data landscape.