Opportunities Through Rights-Based Innovation and Indigenous Leadership.

 

Despite significant challenges and risks, AI also holds notable opportunities through Indigenous leadership and innovations. Across the world, Indigenous Peoples have already started exploring the use of AI, in ways that are in line with their priorities, cultures and ways of life. AI can be an important tool for intergenerational knowledge sharing and empowerment of Indigenous youth, enabling new ways of preserving and revitalizing culture, language and identity. However, there are still no specific mechanisms in place to support technology initiatives with cultural identity. Therefore, it is essential that international mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, include dedicated lines of support for AI and Indigenous Peoples.

One of such areas where AI may offer significant positive potential is in the revitalization of Indigenous languages, many of which are at risk of disappearing. AI can help to document Indigenous languages, create content that can help revive their use, and make information more accessible. Similarly, AI can also help document and preserve Indigenous Peoples cultural heritage and practices, as long it is done with the consent of the Indigenous Peoples concerned. This can help preserve and safeguard Indigenous Peoples’ cultural practices and knowledge for future generations. Across the globe, Indigenous Peoples are already leading the way. In Polynesia, Indigenous led reef conservation projects are using AI to monitor coral health and restore marine ecosystems—blending traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge technology. In Inuit territories, AI models are being co-developed with Indigenous wisdom to help communities adapt to climate change, including shifting ice patterns and food security. Through initiatives like Natives Rising, Indigenous technologists are exploring AI’s role in emotional wellness, language revitalization, and digital sovereignty. In New Zealand, Te Hiku Media is using AI, including a natural language processing tool, to help revitalize and promote the Māori language.19 These are just some of several Indigenous-led innovations utilizing AI. To realize the positive potential AI holds for Indigenous Peoples, especially when led by Indigenous Peoples themselves, it is critical to invest in culturally rooted, Indigenous-led digital tools and innovations. Indigenous Peoples are not only users of AI, they are co-creators, decision-makers, and rights-holders. As such, Indigenous Peoples must be meaningfully part of AI development, implementation and governance to avoid perpetuating harms, and realizing the positive potential of AI.