Digital Archiving and Restoration of Indigenous Historical Narratives through Blockchain Technology

Thesis Abstract

The preservation and accurate representation of indigenous historical narratives face increasing challenges due to traditional archiving limitations, threats of data manipulation, and loss of cultural heritage over time. This study investigates the application of blockchain technology as a novel solution for digital archiving and restoring indigenous histories, aiming to enhance authenticity, transparency, and accessibility of these narratives. The primary objectives include examining the current state of indigenous archival practices, exploring the potential of blockchain to secure historical data, and developing a practical framework for implementing blockchain-based indigenous archives. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a qualitative exploratory phase involving semi-structured interviews with 30 indigenous cultural custodians, archivists, and blockchain technology experts to identify key challenges and opportunities. The quantitative phase involves a survey of 200 indigenous community members and archivists to assess their perceptions and readiness for blockchain integration. Data collection instruments include interview guides, structured questionnaires, and document analysis of existing archival systems. Thematic analysis, guided by the Socio-Technical Theory and the Information Integrity Model, is used to analyze qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis are employed for quantitative data to identify factors influencing adoption and efficacy of blockchain-based archiving. Expected findings suggest that blockchain's decentralized ledger system offers significant benefits in preventing data tampering, ensuring provenance, and enabling decentralized access control, thereby addressing critical vulnerabilities in current indigenous archiving practices. Additionally, the study anticipates identifying key technical and socio-cultural barriers, such as digital literacy gaps and trust issues, which influence the adoption of blockchain solutions among indigenous communities. The research also aims to develop a conceptual model demonstrating the integration process of blockchain in indigenous archives, highlighting critical success factors such as community participation, cultural sensitivity, and technological infrastructure readiness. This study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the feasibility and impact of blockchain technology in safeguarding indigenous narratives, advancing theoretical understanding of digital cultural heritage management, and proposing a feasible, culturally sensitive framework for practitioners. It fills a significant gap in existing literature that predominantly emphasizes mainstream digital archiving without sufficiently addressing indigenous perspectives and technological innovations tailored for cultural preservation. The policy implications include recommendations for integrating blockchain technology into national and community-based cultural heritage initiatives, alongside capacity-building programs to enhance technological acceptance and digital literacy within indigenous populations. The main conclusion underscores that blockchain technology holds transformative potential for restoring and preserving indigenous histories while ensuring data integrity and equitable access. The study advocates for collaborative efforts among technologists, cultural custodians, and policymakers to develop sustainable, culturally appropriate blockchain solutions for indigenous archives. Recommendations include implementing pilot projects within selected indigenous communities, establishing standard protocols for digital data management, and promoting awareness campaigns on the benefits of blockchain in cultural heritage preservation. Future research directions are suggested to explore long-term impacts, scalability, and cross-cultural applicability of blockchain-enabled indigenous archives, contributing to a broader paradigm shift in digital cultural heritage management.