Sôhkêpayin
Introducing the Sôhkêpayin Guide:
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Artificial Intelligence
This guide, designed as a starting point for exploration, addresses the intersections of AI, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship. As AI and machine learning grow in influence, the need for diverse perspectives in their development becomes even more urgent. Indigenous worldviews, long rooted in balance and respect for the natural world, provide crucial insights into how we can shape a future where technology can help all of humanity and other forms of life.
Created by a global team of Indigenous scholars and artists led by Cree Metis artist/designer Jason Baerg and Method Collective, this resource is intended for everyone, but especially for technologists, policymakers, artists, and environmental advocates who seek to learn from and integrate Indigenous knowledge systems into AI development. It addresses the ethical implications of AI, provides frameworks for decolonizing data, and proposes collaborative approaches to human and machine creativity.
Examples of who this guide may be helpful for and how:
Researchers and Technologists: Learn how decolonized AI models can reshape our interactions with technology and data.
Policymakers: Understand the implications of AI governance and Indigenous data sovereignty.
Artists, Environmentalists and Students: Engage with AI as a tool for storytelling, environmental advocacy, and cultural preservation
This document can be utilized as a tool to support your work - whether you're designing AI systems, developing curriculum, or exploring the deep connections between technology and cultural heritage. As the field evolves, this guide will continue to grow, capturing the latest advancements in AI and our shared understanding of Indigenous knowledge.
This is a call to reimagine our technological future through a pluralistic lens. As AI continues to transform our world, this guide offers a resource that hopefully inspires ethical, inclusive, and culturally enriched AI models.
Indigenous Project Lead
Jason Baerg
Report Authors
Calla Lee, Fran Quintero Rawlings, Ziyan Hossain
With contributions from Jason Baerg & Manal Dimachk
Researchers
Calla Lee, Fran Quintero Rawlings, Manal Dimachk, Ziyan Hossain
Indigenous Contributors
Dr. Desiree Hernandez Ibinarriaga, Howard Munroe, Dr. James Oliver, Kanoko Tamura, Liz Barron, Mayunkiki, Rhéanne Chartrand, Susan Blight
Digital Innovation Contributors
Kyle Duffield, Ryan Kelln
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