Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace.  For Indigenous Peoples, this technology can bring both significant challenges and promising opportunities.

AI systems often reflect biases embedded in the data they are trained on—data that frequently excludes or misrepresents Indigenous Peoples’ voices and knowledge. Without safeguards put in place, AI can reinforce harmful biases, exclusion, and lead to further appropriation of Indigenous Peoples' culture and knowledge without their consent. Indigenous Peoples also continue to face barriers to accessing new technologies, as recognized through the World Summit of the Information Society process, especially in rural areas, widening digital divides.

Yet, AI also holds potential opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. When developed inclusively and ethically, AI can support language revitalization and enhance cultural preservation. For example, AI-driven tools can help document endangered Indigenous languages, contributing to their revitalization and preservation for future generations. 

It is essentialthat Indigenous Peoples play an active role in shaping the future of AI. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues recognized this in its recommendations from the 24th session in 2025, highlighting the importance of meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in AI development, governance and application.

The UN General Assembly adopted a 2024 resolution emphasizing that human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected, protected and promoted throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems. Respecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, data sovereignty, and promoting Indigenous-led innovation are key to realizing the positive potential of AI and avoiding perpetuating harm.

The upcoming International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will put a spotlight on this through its theme, Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures. It is a timely moment to foster dialogue and action for an inclusive, rights-based digital transformation.

For more information: 

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Día Internacional De Los Pueblos Indígenas 2025

Journée internationale des Peuples Autochtones du monde 2025

Photo credit: Broddi Sigurdarson/IPDB/UN DESA