This Data Sharing and Usage Agreement establishes the terms and conditions under which Project Quipu Inc., a non-profit corporation located in the State of New Jersey, can collect and utilize data provided by you in response to the
attached survey.

By providing any responses to the attached survey, you agree to the following terms:

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1. Statement of Purpose. The purpose of this document is to clearly identify how PQ can utilize your responses to the attached survey in furtherance of its efforts to produce an exploratory study exploring the nature and scope of video gaming and esports participation by (American Indian/Alaska Native, hereinafter “Native”) youth. The goal of this research is to better understand the involvement and participation of Native youth in video gaming and esports.

2. Recitals. Video games are no longer solely for entertainment. With the growth of the global industry, now exceeding US$100 billion, the video game industry has also found roles in education, training, and community building. Esports, the competitive and professional video gaming subset of the video game industry, has also seen meteoric growth in the last few years, with millions of consumers around the world. There is some literature dedicated to exploring and understanding the impact of video gaming on youth in general. However, to date, no research exists regarding tribal youth participation in video gaming or esports. Considering the growing importance and prevalence of the video game and esports industry worldwide in more than just entertainment, the PQ Research Project seeks to evaluate involvement and participation of Native youth in video gaming and esports. Despite the significant growth of these industries, uncertainty remains surrounding the utility and benefits of video games and esports to tribal communities. This uncertainty raises fundamental issues for tribal governments that are beyond concerns on sports betting expansion (betting on esports), such as social change, cultural production, group identification/identity, tradition and modernity, and more. As such, it is critically important that tribal youth and tribal communities take the lead in harnessing the video gaming ecosystem in a manner which best fits their cultural and community goals. The PQ Research Project aims to provide tribal communities with the needed data to determine their actionable steps towards harnessing the video gaming industry for their benefit, however they see fit.

3. Data Collection. In furtherance of its research and to conduct the study, PQ will seek responses to the attached survey. Any responses thereto will be collected, evaluated, aggregated and analyzed. PQ may, in its sole discretion, follow up with any survey participants to inquire further about their responses to the survey, or ask follow-up questions in furtherance of its research and to conduct the study.

4. Express Approvals. By providing your answers to the attached survey, you agree as follows:

   1. That any data you provide in response to the attached survey are true and accurate to the fullest extent possible.

   2. That PQ can utilize the data you provide in furtherance of its study, both in individual and collectivized fashion. For the avoidance of doubt, all such data shall be anonymized for publication.

   3. Any and all data you provide in response to the attached survey shall remain the property of PQ.

   4. That PQ may, in its sole discretion, contact you for an interview in furtherance of its research and the study.

5. Data Handling.

   1. PQ shall not release the names or contact information of individuals, or information that could be linked to an individual (collectively “Private Information”), nor will PQ present the results of any data analysis in any manner that would reveal the identity of an individual, without the express written consent of the individual.

   2. PQ shall anonymize any data gathered for publication.

   3. PQ shall comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of the information that is subject to this Agreement.

6. Data Sharing. PQ may, in its sole discretion, share the data you provide with third parties in furtherance of the research and to conduct or further develop the study. Such data shall be treated as confidential, and shall not be used for any purposes other than as specified herein. Any data published as a result of the research and the study shall be anonymized.

7. Reports. Historically, research conducted by non-Native researchers in Native communities has resulted in assumptions, interpretations and conclusions that were wrong and sometimes harmful. It is recognized that Native persons/communities are the experts in their own experiences and in the characteristics (e.g., strengths, objectives and outcomes) of their societal, cultural, and economic development efforts. PQ shall utilize best efforts to eliminate assumptions, interpretations and conclusions which do not derive explicitly from the data it gathers in any report it produces relating to the research and its study.

8. Communications. If you have any questions or concerns about PQ, its research, study, or the attached survey, please contact us here.

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