Data Sovereignty in the AI Age

AI and Indigenous Communities: A New Dawn

At North America’s largest Indigenous tech conference held in Vancouver, British Columbia, discussions revolved around the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within Indigenous communities. As generative AI technologies become more widespread, the emphasis was placed on utilizing these tools to create meaningful changes rather than merely enhancing everyday tasks.

Understanding the Challenges

Ryan St. Germaine, a Metis leader and founder of the Indigenous Tech Conference, voiced a critical perspective about the current trajectory of technology. He argued, “We don’t need more widgets in the world; technology should address real-world challenges, especially those faced by Indigenous populations, such as data sovereignty and language revitalization.” This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of the need for technology that is not only accessible but also tailored to meet the unique needs of these communities.

The Role of AI in Language Revitalization

One of the most pressing challenges highlighted at the conference was the revitalization of Indigenous languages. According to UNESCO, around 40% of the world’s languages are at risk of disappearing, with a language vanishing every two weeks. Michael Running Wolf, a prominent advocate from the Northern Cheyenne and Lakota nations, presented the First Nations Languages AI Reality (FLAIR) initiative, which aims to leverage AI to facilitate language preservation. He shared insights on how AI can create immersive environments to assist language learners, overcoming barriers such as a lack of fluent speakers.

Ethical Data Use: The Case for Indigenous Sovereignty

Running Wolf brought attention to the ethical implications of data collection, criticizing large language models for their reliance on data that has often been gathered without consent. He articulated that Indigenous data is among the cleanest and most ethically sourced data available, which positions these communities uniquely in the conversation about data sovereignty. “You wouldn’t give away your grandmother’s land for free,” he stated, asserting that data should be treated with the same respect and protection. This analogy reinforces the necessity for Indigenous communities to maintain control over their data, akin to safeguarding their ancestral lands.

Advocating for Data Sovereignty Policies

The discussion at the conference also centered around the lack of legal frameworks securing Indigenous data sovereignty. St. Germaine emphasized the need for an accurate representation of Indigenous peoples in the digital sphere, advocating for a robust digital sovereignty policy. Running Wolf suggested that establishing co-operatives or data trusts could empower tribes to manage and protect their data better. He argued that creating strong tribal policies around data sovereignty and conducting their own research would increase Indigenous control over their information.