First Nations Peoples and AI

Challenges and Considerations

Culturally Responsive Change: Use frameworks tailored to Indigenous Contexts

Local Protocols First: Ground AI in local Indigenous values not only global models
Indigenous Leadership and Voice: Ongoing community engagement and leadership in AI
Tackle Bias in AI: Challenge training data that marginalises Indigenous identities
Data Sovereignty Matters: Respect ownership, privacy and sacred knowledge.
Protect Cultural Knowledge: Ensure AI doesn't breach Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP)
AI for Wellbeing: Support culture, learning, language and Country
Linguistic Inclusion: As determined by local Indigenous peoples, use AI to protect and preserve Indigenous languages

References:

Abdilla, M. (2021). Decolonising artificial intelligence: A cultural framework for Indigenous Australia. Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) Working Paper No. 142/2021. https://doi.org/10.25911/ORJW-7E23
Barrowcliffe, E., Whaanga, H., & Hudson, M. (2025). Reclaiming data sovereignty: Indigenous governance in the age of AI. In J. Worrell (Ed.), Indigenous AI Futures.
Burgess, C., Cavanagh, P., & Roberts, K. (2021). A critical engagement with Aboriginal education: Reconciliation and Australian schooling. Springer.
Deckker, D., & Sumanasekara, S. (2025). Systematic review: AI in Indigenous and cultural education—Bridging knowledge gaps. International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention, 14(2), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.35629/6734-14026267
Worrell, J., & Johns, T. (2024). Bias in the machine: Indigenous exclusion in AI training data. Technology and Social Justice, 2(1), 19–35.

Artist: Katie Budgen (@katiebudgen), Source: Canva

Global Research on First Nations Peoples and AI

AI in Indigenous and Cultural Education - Bridging Knowledge Gaps

Deckker, D., & Sumanasekara, S. (2025). Systematic review: AI in Indigenous and cultural education—Bridging knowledge gaps. International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention, 14(2), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.35629/6734-14026267

Findings that AI use in Indigenous and cultural education hold promise but must address knowledge gaps through inclusive design, community collaboration, and respect for cultural protocols.

Cognitive Imperialism in Artificial Intelligence: Counteracting Bias with Indigenous Epistemologies

Ofosu-Asare, Y. (2024). Cognitive imperialism in artificial intelligence: Counteracting bias with indigenous epistemologies. AI & Society, 40(4), 3045–3061. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-024-02065-0

AI often reflects Western worldviews (cognitive imperialism), which can create bias and exclude Indigenous knowledge. The author suggests using Indigenous epistemologies through co-design with communities, fair data governance, and respect for cultural knowledge. Examples in language processing, content moderation, and healthcare show how this makes AI more inclusive, ethical, and culturally relevant.

Indigenous Language Revitalization using TEK-nology

Meighan, P. J. (2024). Indigenous language revitalization using TEK-nology: How can traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and technology support intergenerational language transmission? Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 45(8), 3059–3077. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2161860

Meighan (2024) examines how technology can support Indigenous language revitalisation by integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to enhance intergenerational transmission and cultural continuity.

How to build-your-own practical A.I. tools for language maintenance

Running Wolf, M., Arista, N., Running Wolf, C., Moses, C., & Davison, J. (2021, March 4 & 7). How to build-your-own practical A.I. tools for language maintenance [Conference presentation]. International Conference on Language Documentation & Conservation, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Running Wolf et al. (2021) present practical strategies for building AI tools to support Indigenous language maintenance, emphasising community-led approaches and accessible, culturally grounded technology design.

Indigenous protocols for artificial intelligence

Running Wolf, C. (2021, April 26). Indigenous protocols for artificial intelligence [Conference presentation]. EU-Canada Cooperation Workshop in AI: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Artificial Intelligence.

Running Wolf (2021) advocates for the integration of Indigenous protocols in AI development, stressing the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion through culturally respectful and community-driven approaches.

Interviews and Talks

The following video discusses how Indigenous Knowledges and AI can create opportunities in education to understand important concepts such as sustainability as well as our roles and responsibilities with respect to the environment.

This interview was with Ray John Jr. who is from the Oneida Nation and Mathias Babin who is a PhD student at Western University working in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science.

Erick Tambo (United Nations University, Cameroon). This video explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to create more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally grounded technologies. It highlights both the risks, such as bias, inequity, and environmental exploitation, and the opportunities for AI to support cultural preservation, economic inclusivity, and ecological stewardship. By drawing on IKS, AI development can move beyond narrow scientific perspectives to embrace holistic approaches that promote collective wellbeing and more equitable futures.

Author

Annelise Dixon

We value all contributions to this page.

Please contact Alfina Jackson or Annelise Dixon on LinkedIn if you would like to contribute.

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