Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9, 2025)

As I sit on the weathered steps of my great-grandmother’s (Granny) home, I notice the wildflowers growing all around her front porch steps. The house is a small wooden structure nestled between some vast Sandstone Ridges and deep within the pine trees of our ancestral land, I am struck by the sounds of the forest. The wind whispers through the branches, and the calls of birds echo around me, creating a harmonious symphony that speaks of generations past. It is in this sacred space that I first learned the stories of my people, stories that have been passed down like a precious heirloom. Yet, as I reflect on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in 2025, I grapple with a question that weighs heavily on my heart: How do we ensure that our stories, our languages, and our rights are preserved in an age dominated by artificial intelligence?

The theme for this year, "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures," highlights a pivotal moment for Indigenous communities as we navigate the two-sided path of technology. On one side, AI offers unprecedented opportunities. It has the potential to preserve endangered languages and cultures, mapping out our ancestral lands with precision and clarity, and supporting our fight against climate change. However, on the other side lurks the risk of further marginalizing our voices, misrepresenting our cultures, and perpetuating the inequalities that have haunted us for centuries.

My mother, her mother (Mama), and her mother (Granny)

In moments like this, I often reflect on the parable of the two wolves, attributed to a Cherokee elder. In this story, a grandfather explains to his grandson that inside every person, there are two wolves fighting: one represents anger, envy, and greed, while the other embodies love, compassion, and kindness. The boy, puzzled, asks which wolf wins. The grandfather replies, “The one you feed.” This parable resonates deeply as I consider the potential of AI. We stand at a crossroads, where we must choose which “wolf” to nurture: the one that empowers and uplifts our communities or the one that perpetuates misunderstanding and disempowerment.

I remember the day Granny and I sat together, surrounded by dusty books and faded photographs, as she recounted the stories of our ancestors. With each tale, she wove a rich tapestry of our identity, a narrative that is intrinsically tied to the land we inhabit. Her longevity, reaching a remarkable age of 99, allowed her to witness and share the abundance of these stories, instilling in me a sense of urgency to preserve them. However, I also sensed an anxiety in her tone, a fear that these invaluable tales could vanish. They simply might fade away, lost to time and technology. In that moment, I understood the importance of AI not just as a tool, but as a vessel for preserving our heritage. Digital platforms can help document and revitalize our languages, allowing future generations to access and engage with their cultural roots. AI can be employed to create databases of oral histories, ensuring that the voices of our elders resonate through the ages. AI can hold space to ensure those stories get captured and re-told. AI cannot replace sitting with my Granny and watching her eyes light up as she told me stories, seeing tears run down her cheek, or her belly laugh as she recalled some fun and joyful moments. That is where the wisdom, meaning and nuance rely on the human experience and the human connection.

For every promise AI holds, there exists the peril of misrepresentation. However useful and efficient, the technology must be approached with respect and caution. If Indigenous peoples are not included in the development of these technologies, there is a grave risk that our cultures could be commodified or distorted. The narratives that shape our lives should not be dictated by outsiders who may not understand the intricacies of our traditions. It is crucial that we advocate for our inclusion in these conversations, ensuring our rights and knowledge are at the forefront of AI governance.

Mapping our ancestral lands is another vital area where AI can lend its power. The ability to create accurate digital representations of our territories can bolster our land claims and assert our rights in negotiations. However, this must be paired with a commitment to data sovereignty. The protection of Indigenous data and intellectual property rights must be woven into the fabric of AI development. We must safeguard our knowledge against exploitation, ensuring that our contributions are recognized and rewarded.

As I continue to reflect on the intersection of Indigenous peoples and AI, I am reminded of the lessons imparted by Granny. She taught me that our connection to the land and our traditions is not just a part of our identity; it is our legacy. This legacy must shape our future, guiding how we harness technology.

What is clear to me is we must engage with AI as active participants, not passive observers. We must defend our rights and shape the narratives that define us. In doing so, we can ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon of oppression. As I rise from the steps of Granny’s home, I carry with me her stories and the responsibility to advocate for our people. The future is not predetermined; it is ours to mold. With our voices included in the development of AI, we can create a world where our rights are defended and our futures are shaped by our own hands.

With an enduring spirit and a belief in the future, let us forge a path that honors our past while embracing the possibilities and promise of tomorrow Together, we can ensure that technology serves as a bridge, connecting our rich histories with the innovations that lie ahead. And in this journey, let us remember that the wolf we chose to feed- whether it be one of empowerment or oppression- will ultimately shape the world we create.

Indigenous peoples represent a diverse group of approximately 476 million individuals spread across over 90 countries, speaking over 4,000 languages. They are the original inhabitants of their territories and often possess unique cultural traditions and knowledge systems related to their ancestral lands. Despite their historical presence and stewardship, they often face marginalization, discrimination, and human rights violations. 

Here are 10 key facts about Indigenous peoples:

1. Global Presence:

Indigenous peoples live in nearly every region of the world, encompassing a wide range of cultures and languages. 

2. Unique Languages and Cultures:

They speak over 4,000 languages and maintain distinct cultural traditions, including unique social, economic, and political systems. 

3. Historical Continuity:

Indigenous peoples have a historical connection to their territories, often predating colonization or settlement. 

4. Distinct Knowledge Systems:

They possess invaluable knowledge of sustainable resource management and practices related to their ancestral lands. 

5. Land Rights:

Many Indigenous communities are deeply connected to their ancestral lands and territories, which are crucial for their cultural survival and livelihoods. 

6. High Poverty Rates:

Indigenous peoples experience disproportionately high rates of poverty and are more likely to live in extreme poverty. 

7. Human Rights Violations:

They often face violations of their human rights, including displacement, discrimination, and violence. 8. Environmental Stewardship:

Indigenous peoples and local communities play a vital role in managing natural resources and protecting biodiversity. 

9. Importance of Traditional Knowledge:

There is growing recognition of the value of traditional knowledge in various fields, including conservation and sustainable development. 

10. Diverse Representation:

Indigenous peoples include diverse groups like First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada, as well as various other groups worldwide.

*I want to honor I am writing this article on the land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

What land are you reading this article from?

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