Indigenous perspectives reveal AI as a systemic force shaping power, data, and relationships with Country
Original framing: “‘No accountability, no checks and balances, no responsibility’: how Indigenous peoples think about AI” — The Conversation - Global
Indigenous scholars emphasize that AI systems must be understood within the context of colonialism, where data extraction mirrors historical land and resource exploitation. Their perspectives challenge the idea of AI as a neutral tool and instead frame it as a relational force that must be governed through Indigenous protocols and consent.
This research reveals that AI is not a neutral technology but a deeply embedded system shaped by colonial histories and power dynamics.
By centering Indigenous perspectives, it challenges the dominant Western narrative that frames AI as a tool for progress, instead positioning it as a force that must be governed through relational ethics and Indigenous sovereignty. The article draws on historical parallels with colonial data practices and cross-cultural epistemologies to argue for a future where AI systems are co-designed with Indigenous communities. This approach not only addresses systemic biases in AI but also offers a model for ethical technology development that respects Indigenous rights and knowledge. The integration of Indigenous governance, cross-cultural ethics, and future-oriented design principles provides a roadmap for transforming AI into a tool of decolonization rather than extraction.