A New Dawn for Data Sovereignty and Self-Determination.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful force with the potential to reshape societies and economies. Yet, for First Nations communities, the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI holds the promise of addressing long-standing issues like language revitalization and environmental protection, it also raises concerns about data misuse, surveillance, and the erosion of cultural sovereignty.

The recent wave of announcements regarding government evaluations of Aboriginal programs is cause for serious concern [1-5]. While accountability is essential, this approach is far from positive. It perpetuates a damaging cycle that undermines Aboriginal self-determination and reinforces harmful power imbalances.

These top-down evaluations, often conducted by non-Aboriginal "experts", position government, funders and non-community peoples as the authority on Aboriginal lives. This means that executive powers of critical thinking and judgement, which often drive and inform decision-making, do not reside where they should. This not only perpetuates inaccuracies but is also profoundly disrespectful. It ignores the wealth of knowledge and expertise held within Aboriginal families, Communities and within Country.

In a world increasingly driven by data, it's easy to forget that information can be a double-edged sword. For First Nations Communities, this is especially true. Historically, data about First Nations peoples has been collected and used against us – to justify the theft of land, forced assimilation, and erasure of Cultures [1]. This is what we at Kowa are calling the "surveillance paradigm" – where data is a tool for control, not empowerment.