Decolonizing Data to Support Elders Report
- So’oh-Shinálí Sister Project (SSSP)
- 6 days ago
- 1 min read
This report summarizes survey evaluation findings based on input from Indigenous elders, community members and staff within Indigenous community-based organizations. This may be used by wellness providers, community engagement specialists and organizational leadership interested in extending services specifically developed for Indigenous elders.
Project Description
Decolonizing Data to Support Indigenous Elders in Los Angeles County utilized strengths-based data collection and analysis to identify specific priorities shared by community members for community members. Following this initial phase, So'oh-Shinálí Sister Project (SSSP) held two Elder’s Circles to focus on dissemination of data woven with culture and creative expression. SSSP utilized this approach to acknowledge harmful data practices while simultaneously empowering and engaging community to define and strengthen data capacity in their own terms. Elder's Circles coupled arts with discussion to unpack findings, focus on reflection, determination, community connection and healing through restoration of cultural and spiritual practices. These practices include connections to the Spirit World, land, and animal relatives as well as animate and inanimate objects. Elders raised the importance of continued responsibility to sustaining Indigenous knowledge systems for the next generations. Community members determined specific data to share publicly and also identified findings to maintain locally as we look to shape future services.
