Stewarding qualitative Indigenous research data in libraries and repositories requires a nuanced, culturally responsive approach that respects Indigenous values and emphasizes relational accountability. This paper, using a case study approach, explores the decisions scholars of Indigenous language and culture face when depositing research data into a university-based special collections. The findings underscore issues of institutional trust and also indicate that providing access to their qualitative research data for future generations and community building is paramount. It also emphasizes the value of collaborative curation involving scholars, Indigenous communities, and the need for coordination between special collections and research data services within libraries. The aim of this research is to support libraries and repositories as they work to implement the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data for qualitative research data in alignment with Indigenous research methods and Indigenous knowledge systems.
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