OCAP® stands for Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession. It is a set of principles developed by First Nations in Canada to protect how information about Indigenous peoples is collected, used, and shared.

OCAP® is important because it offers a clear, community-driven framework for understanding and practicing Indigenous data sovereignty. It acts as a guiding point for researchers, institutions, and tech developers to respect Indigenous authority over knowledge and data. In digital and tech contexts, applying OCAP® helps prevent the misuse of Indigenous knowledge and supports self-determination through consent, transparency, and accountability.

It should be noted that OCAP® reflects First Nations authority over data about their communities and members. It is based on principles created by and for First Nations specifically, not all Indigenous peoples.