AI's Impact on Indigenous Communities
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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AI's Double-Edged Sword for Indigenous Peoples
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our world. It brings many good things like making things work better, helping us make smarter choices, and even creating new tools to fight climate change. However, for Indigenous peoples, AI also brings new dangers. It can lead to them being left out, pushed to the side, or even having their culture and knowledge taken without their permission (policyoptions.irpp.org). It is important to have fair and ethical rules for AI as it grows. These rules must make sure everyone is included and help close the gaps in who has access to technology.
On August 8, the United Nations (UN) celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The theme for this year was “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” This theme asked how AI could help Indigenous communities. During the event, Indigenous speakers, community groups, and experts talked about the new risks of “exclusion, marginalization, and appropriation” of Indigenous cultures, data, land, and identities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that Indigenous peoples are protectors of old knowledge, defenders of their culture, and caretakers of nature. He also said that AI can help save Indigenous languages and stories, map their traditional lands, and share their wisdom to fight climate change. Nevertheless, without Indigenous peoples being truly involved, these same technologies could keep old patterns of exclusion going, misrepresent cultures, and violate basic rights (policyoptions.irpp.org).
Understanding AI: What is it?
When we talk about Artificial Intelligence, we are talking about computer systems that can do things that usually require human intelligence. This includes processing information, learning from it, and performing tasks. While there is no single, simple definition, AI is essentially a set of technologies that can analyze data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and even create new content. These systems are used in many ways, from helping us find information online to powering self-driving cars. However, the way AI is developed and used has big effects on how data is managed, how cultures are kept alive, and how well societies function.
AI systems are often discussed in terms of their ability to support Indigenous peoples and their knowledge systems. For example, AI can be used to create tools for preserving and raising awareness about Indigenous knowledge, land, and languages (journals.sagepub.com). Conversely, there are also significant risks associated with using AI in relation to Indigenous communities, their lands, and their tangible and intangible resources (journals.sagepub.com). AI is also seen as a technology that can be made better and more informed by Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) (journals.sagepub.com). This means that the wisdom and ways of knowing from Indigenous cultures can help shape AI in positive ways.
What is Indigenous Data Sovereignty?
Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS): This refers to the right of Indigenous nations and peoples to control how their own data is collected, owned, and used. It means Indigenous communities should decide what happens with information about their lands, cultures, and people, making sure it aligns with their values and self-determination. Source: (montrealethics.ai)
Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Control
Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) is a very important idea. It means Indigenous nations and peoples have the right to control how their own data is collected, owned, and used (montrealethics.ai). This principle means that Indigenous communities should decide what happens with information about their lands, cultures, and people. It ensures that this data is used in ways that match their values and their right to govern themselves. The research shows how important it is to include Indigenous ideas in areas like AI that use a lot of data. It also shows how urgent it is to embrace Indigenous Data Sovereignty. This highlights the key role Indigenous communities can play in taking control of their data and asserting their rights (montrealethics.ai).
Indigenous Data Sovereignty is also crucial for bringing Indigenous knowledge into the way data-reliant technology is designed, developed, and put into use (arxiv.org). Governments need to put Indigenous data-sovereignty principles into their national AI plans. Furthermore, technology developers should use systems that require consent when collecting and using Indigenous data (policyoptions.irpp.org). Experts in business and society, along with business schools, have a vital role in supporting Indigenous data sovereignty in the development of AI (journals.sagepub.com).
What is Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)?
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): This is a principle that ensures Indigenous peoples have the right to say yes or no to projects that might affect their lands, territories, resources, or cultural and spiritual heritage. It means they must be given all the information, freely, and before any project starts. Source: (policyoptions.irpp.org)
The Importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a critical principle. It ensures that Indigenous peoples have the right to approve or reject activities that affect their land, resources, or cultural heritage (policyoptions.irpp.org). This means that before any project or action takes place that could impact Indigenous communities, they must be given all the necessary information, freely and without pressure, and have the chance to give or withhold their consent. Technology developers should adopt consent-based frameworks for collecting and using Indigenous data (policyoptions.irpp.org).
Indigenous communities must be seen as equal partners, not just subjects, when it comes to shaping the AI tools that will affect their futures (policyoptions.irpp.org). This idea is deeply connected to FPIC, as it means their voices and decisions must be central to any development that impacts them. Without FPIC, there is a risk that AI development could continue old patterns of exploitation and disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
What are Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)?
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): These are the vast and evolving bodies of knowledge, practices, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations within Indigenous communities. They are deeply connected to cultural values, spiritual understandings, and relationships with the environment. IKS offer unique perspectives and solutions that can enrich and inform the development of AI systems. Source: (journals.sagepub.com)
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are the rich and ever-changing bodies of knowledge, practices, and beliefs that have been developed over many generations within Indigenous communities. These systems are deeply connected to their cultural values, spiritual understandings, and their relationship with the environment. They offer unique ways of seeing the world and finding solutions. In the context of AI, IKS are recognized as valuable information that can make AI systems better and more informed (journals.sagepub.com).
AI tools can be created to help preserve and raise awareness about Indigenous knowledge, land, and languages (journals.sagepub.com). There is also the potential to use IKS itself to make AI systems richer and more effective (journals.sagepub.com). Including Indigenous Data Sovereignty is necessary to bring Indigenous knowledge into the design, development, and use of technology that relies on data (arxiv.org). This means that AI development should not just be about technology, but also about respecting and integrating the deep wisdom of Indigenous cultures.
Data Bias and Colonial Legacies in AI
Data bias that comes from colonial legacies shows up in AI systems when the information used to train them unfairly represents or misrepresents certain groups of people. This often reflects old power imbalances and unfair treatment that has been built into systems over time. This can lead to AI results that continue harmful stereotypes, put Indigenous communities at a disadvantage, or fail to truly meet their needs. This makes existing inequalities worse and undermines Indigenous peoples' right to govern themselves. The problem is that such biases can lead to unfair or wrong outcomes, strengthening harmful stories and possibly leading to unfair practices in things like how resources are given out, legal processes, or how cultures are shown.
The research points out troubling similarities between how data is collected and how colonialism worked. It stresses how urgent it is to embrace Indigenous Data Sovereignty to fix these problems (montrealethics.ai). The main issue is that Indigenous voices are not included in the development of technologies that depend on data, like AI. This continues new forms of colonialism (montrealethics.ai). The ways data is collected in a colonial manner do not match Indigenous beliefs, which shows why we need data governance that respects Indigenous rights (arxiv.org).
Environmental Impact on Indigenous Lands
AI systems need a lot of electricity and water. This threatens to use up natural resources on Indigenous lands and make environmental damage and climate change worse (muse.jhu.edu). The increased mining of minerals like lithium and copper on Indigenous lands for electronics also forces Indigenous peoples away from their homes. This puts their cultural heritage and ways of life at risk (restofworld.org). AI-driven operations also create a lot of electronic waste. When data centers are built near Indigenous settlements, there is a risk of dumping dangerous substances like mercury and lead. This can cause bad health effects, especially for Indigenous women (muse.jhu.edu).
Recently, the Atacameño peoples in Chile have fought against AI-driven mining of lithium and copper. These operations threaten to harm culturally important lands and water sources in the Atacama Desert (restofworld.org). They are using their legal rights under international law to protect their cultural and territorial sovereignty against resource extraction. They are demanding research into the health of the ecosystem and water loss (restofworld.org). This shows how protecting data and protecting the environment are connected. Data governance can help both people and the Earth (arxiv.org).
Meaningful Indigenous Participation in AI
For Indigenous communities to be truly involved in AI development, there needs to be active support and investment in AI projects led by Indigenous peoples. This means providing money, guidance, and technical help to Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators. This empowers them to create AI solutions that are based on their cultural values and knowledge systems (journals.sagepub.com). For example, the Indigenous AI Initiative at the University of Waikato in New Zealand is working to develop AI technologies that are culturally appropriate and helpful to Indigenous communities. These tools include those for bringing languages back to life and for monitoring the environment (journals.sagepub.com).
The Indigenous AI Network in Canada is bringing together Indigenous researchers, business owners, and community leaders. They are exploring how AI can help Indigenous peoples achieve self-determination and well-being (journals.sagepub.com). Indigenous communities must be seen as equal partners, not just subjects, in shaping the AI tools that will affect their futures (policyoptions.irpp.org). This approach ensures that AI development is respectful, relevant, and truly beneficial to Indigenous communities.
Legal Frameworks and Ethical AI
While specific international laws or treaties directly addressing AI and Indigenous data sovereignty are not explicitly named, there is a strong call for governments to include Indigenous data-sovereignty principles in their national AI strategies (policyoptions.irpp.org). There is also a push for the use of consent-based frameworks. This aligns with broader international human rights frameworks that recognize Indigenous peoples' rights to govern themselves and control their resources, including their data. The CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) are highlighted as a framework to support these rights (arxiv.org).
Ethical AI development for Indigenous communities can be ensured by actively supporting and investing in Indigenous-led AI initiatives. These initiatives are built on their own cultural values and knowledge systems (journals.sagepub.com). Safeguards against misuse involve recognizing Indigenous communities as equal partners in shaping AI tools and adopting consent-based frameworks for data collection and use (policyoptions.irpp.org). AI tools can be developed for the preservation and awareness of Indigenous knowledge, land, and languages, and to address challenges faced by Indigenous peoples or improve their quality of life (journals.sagepub.com).
Bridging the Digital Divide
The development of AI can either make the digital divide wider or help close it (policyoptions.irpp.org). This means that access to technology is a very important factor. While the specific barriers to technology access for Indigenous peoples, such as limitations in infrastructure or gaps in digital literacy, are not detailed, the emphasis on supporting Indigenous-led AI initiatives and providing resources suggests that overcoming these barriers would involve focused investments and building capacity within Indigenous communities. Funding and resources must support Indigenous-led AI research and infrastructure. This would directly address issues of access and capacity (policyoptions.irpp.org).
Indigenous communities are already using AI as a tool to monitor climate change and deforestation. They are also using it to pass knowledge through generations to preserve and bring their culture back to life (journals.sagepub.com). This shows that with the right support and involvement, AI can be a powerful tool for positive change within Indigenous communities. The key is to ensure that these technologies are developed with, by, and for Indigenous peoples, respecting their rights and knowledge systems every step of the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
