Introduction
In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, a growing body of research is looking to indigenous knowledge systems for guidance on ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI). Nicole Horseherder, a Navajo environmental activist and co-founder of the non-profit organization Tó Nizhóní Ání (Sacred Water Speaks), based in Arizona, USA, has spent years protecting water that sustains communities from industrial use.
She sees parallels with today’s AI development. For someone like Horseherder, indigenous knowledge is not data to be harvested, but built on thousands of years of real-time human observations on the changes in landscapes, the weather and the seasons, the directions of the moon, the sun and everything around us.
Indigenous Ecological Knowledge
Within the Navajo community, people living in different landscapes, including high-deserts, river valleys and dry to arid places, have their own local knowledge systems. A recent study published in the AI and Ethics journal examines how indigenous ecological knowledge could reshape AI frameworks through an analysis of Navajo and Māori concepts.
The paper drew on the Māori value of Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, and the Navajo philosophy of Hózhó, meaning balance and harmony. The study’s authors said that traditional ecological knowledge embodies collective responsibility and could provide an ethical basis for questioning whether the scale of a proposed AI model is justifiable given its environmental cost, prioritizing ecological integrity over unbounded technological expansion.
Implications and Challenges
This approach offers a unique perspective for addressing environmental issues in the AI race. However, it also brings significant challenges, such as the need for a greater understanding and respect for indigenous knowledge systems and the importance of avoiding cultural appropriation.
As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that it considers the values and knowledge of indigenous communities to create more sustainable and ethical solutions. This not only can help mitigate negative environmental impacts but also promote greater justice and equity for the communities most affected by climate change.
Conclusion
In summary, the integration of indigenous values in the AI race can be a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. It is essential that researchers, developers, and policymakers work together to ensure that indigenous knowledge and perspectives are valued and integrated into decision-making processes.
Source / Reference: Mongabay