The focus of this year’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is on how artificial intelligence impacts indigenous rights, identities, and cultural and linguistic heritage. Artificial intelligence operates through regulated algorithms influenced by global power dynamics and historical colonial influences, often leading to the misrepresentation or neglect of indigenous voices and knowledge. Consequently, discriminatory AI models contribute to the marginalization and dispossession of indigenous communities.
A recent study by Dr. Maneesha Perera and colleagues examined research on indigenous knowledge and AI from 2012 to 2023. The research highlighted the wealth of global indigenous knowledge systems and promising AI advancements. However, the intersection of these two areas remains largely unexplored.
While AI holds potential for advancing indigenous knowledge, it also poses risks to indigenous knowledge systems. These risks include erasure of cultural knowledge, biopiracy, and violation of indigenous data sovereignty principles. The proliferation of AI technologies could worsen existing knowledge-based inequalities and structural discrimination.
Speaking at the AI Action Summit 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged AI’s transformative power but cautioned against entrenching inequalities. He stressed the need for AI to accelerate sustainable development without perpetuating disparities.
Indigenous communities in Bangladesh have historically contributed to national identifiers like Muslin and Jamdani fabrics and sesame molasses. However, their contributions often go unrecognized, leading to exploitation and biopiracy under the guise of research and development.
Efforts are now emerging to integrate indigenous data and knowledge into the broader AI landscape. The indigenous movement advocates for information sovereignty to control and manage their data. However, the current lack of indigenous inclusion in AI decision-making poses a significant challenge, hindering the flow of indigenous knowledge and consent.
Ensuring active indigenous participation in AI development is crucial to address potential disparities and complexities. Governance over AI models incorporating indigenous knowledge must align with traditional systems to prevent commercial exploitation.
The issue of marginalization, discrimination, and human rights violations against indigenous communities persists, exacerbated by the lack of safeguards in current AI frameworks. Upholding indigenous rights through AI technologies can help mitigate inequalities and foster positive opportunities.
Environmental concerns surrounding AI, such as energy consumption and resource extraction, are of growing importance. Indigenous territories are often exploited for raw materials used in AI technologies, endangering ecosystems and public health. Balancing AI development with environmental preservation is crucial.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples emphasizes the role of AI in defending indigenous rights and shaping their futures positively. In Bangladesh, discussions on AI governance should prioritize indigenous values and rights, aligning with global principles and human rights declarations.
Recognizing indigenous self-identity and engaging with communities on digital technologies and AI are essential steps for inclusive decision-making. Prior learning on power structures, AI politics, and communal AI usage is vital to prevent alienation and dispossession of indigenous communities.
Overall, AI has the potential to empower indigenous peoples if developed through inclusive dialogue and respect for indigenous rights and knowledge.