Māori cultural sovereignty at risk as AI development lacks Indigenous governance frameworks
Original framing: “AI future for Māori stories: Who controls culture in the digital world?” — bing news
Māori knowledge systems emphasize the relational and spiritual nature of information, which is fundamentally at odds with the extractive logic of current AI systems. Indigenous frameworks like kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whakapapa (genealogical connection) offer alternative models for ethical AI development.
The challenge of AI and Māori cultural sovereignty is not a simple matter of control, but a systemic issue rooted in colonial power structures and extractive knowledge economies.
By centering Indigenous governance, epistemology, and innovation, we can develop AI systems that respect and sustain Māori knowledge. This requires not only legal and policy changes, but also a deep cultural shift in how we understand knowledge, ownership, and technology. The work of Māori scholars and technologists offers a path forward, one that aligns with global Indigenous movements for data sovereignty and ethical AI. Through cross-cultural collaboration and systemic inclusion, we can build a future where AI supports cultural continuity rather than erasure.