Strengthening Indigenous Language Data Collection: Challenges and Promising Practices

How can we ensure that data collection on Indigenous languages is accurate, ethical, and respectful of community realities?

As we approach the mid-term review of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032), it’s crucial to address the challenges—and share the solutions—around gathering meaningful data.

This side-event is taking place on Wednesday 23 April between 6:15 and 8:00 p.m. at the Millennium Hilton Hotel, One UN Plaza, New York.

Mandatory registration: Click on the website on the right to register.

Lunch will be provided. Interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish. You must bring a cellphone and earphones in order to access interpretation services.

This side-event is organized in the margins of the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

PROGRAMME

Traditional opening & Welcome remarks

Panel discussion

• Vivian O’Donnell, Director, Analysis and Data Development team, Centre for Indigenous Statistics and Partnerships, Statistics Canada
• Mary Jane Norris, Researcher in Indigenous languages (Canada)
• Anders Sønstebø, Senior Advisor, Statistics Norway
• Question & Answer

Closing address

THEME

This event will focus on the integral role of data collection and statistics in the monitoring and evaluation of UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032), supporting better planning, decision-making, and the exchange of information and knowledge.

The Decade draws attention to the urgent need to maintain, revitalize, promote, and use Indigenous languages across all socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and political domains. In order to assess the progress being made, it is necessary to develop relevant measurement and assessment strategies to effectively gather necessary data. However, challenges persist in collecting data on Indigenous languages due to variations in definitions, inapplicability of standard questions, inaccessibility of rural communities, and differing approaches to data governance.

This event brings together representatives from relevant fields to discuss these challenges and share wise practices and solutions for more accurate, dynamic, and ethical data collection methods. It will also facilitate dialogue between government representatives and Indigenous communities to ensure that data collection processes meet and respect the needs of Indigenous Peoples.