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In an era of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a powerful tool for cultural preservation. Indigenous engineers and technologists are at the forefront of this movement, leveraging AI to combat the alarming disappearance of Indigenous languages, crafts, and traditions. With over 4,000 Indigenous languages facing extinction—one vanishing approximately every two weeks—this work is not only urgent but essential for safeguarding global cultural heritage.
Indigenous-led organizations such as First Languages AI Reality, IndGenius Tech Natives, and the Wihanble S’a Center for AI are pioneering efforts to make AI education accessible and culturally relevant. By integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, these initiatives aim to empower Indigenous communities while ensuring that their heritage is preserved for future generations. This story explores the innovations, projects, and ethical practices driving this transformative mission.
Harnessing AI to Preserve Indigenous Languages
A Race Against Time
Indigenous language preservation is at a critical juncture. As Michael Running Wolf, founder of First Languages AI Reality, warns, “Within the next five to ten years, we will lose most Native American languages in the United States.” Running Wolf’s organization, in collaboration with the Mila Quebec AI Institute, has been developing speech recognition models for over 200 endangered Indigenous languages in North America.
However, the challenges are steep. One major obstacle is the lack of Indigenous computer scientists who possess both the technological expertise and the cultural knowledge required for such projects. Currently, Indigenous professionals make up less than 0.005% of the U.S. tech workforce and receive only 0.02% of venture capital funding.
To address this gap, First Languages AI Reality and similar initiatives are committed to training Indigenous students and professionals in computer science. Their goal is not just to preserve languages but to do so ethically, ensuring that communities retain ownership of their cultural data. As Running Wolf emphasizes, “The foundational data we use isn’t just tweets or social media posts; it’s deeply culturally significant information from speakers who may already have passed.”
Educational Initiatives Driving Change
Programs like the Lakota AI Code Camp in South Dakota are making AI education accessible to Native adolescents. Since its inception in 2022, the camp has trained dozens of students to develop culturally relevant projects, such as apps that document Lakota culture and language. Many participants have returned as instructors or pursued further studies in computer science, creating a ripple effect within their communities.
Additionally, initiatives like Tech Natives, which specifically recruits Indigenous women, are breaking barriers in tech. Kyra Kaya, a Native Hawaiian computer science student at Yale University, developed an AI tool recognizing Hawaiian Pidgin English—a marginalized creole language. Her project aims to transform this tool into an accessible app, demonstrating how AI can empower rather than marginalize.
Revitalizing Traditional Crafts Through AI
Digitizing Heritage Crafts
Beyond language preservation, AI is playing a vital role in documenting and revitalizing traditional crafts. Projects such as the EU-funded Mingei initiative are creating digital archives of crafts like silk weaving and pottery, combining 3D recordings with historical narratives. These digital assets serve as both educational resources and cultural artifacts, enabling younger generations to reconnect with traditional practices.
Building on this, the Craeft project explores the cognitive aspects of creativity in craftsmanship. By capturing the mental processes behind design and execution, the project offers new insights into the artistry of traditional crafts. This fusion of AI and anthropology not only preserves these skills but also makes them more accessible to global audiences.
AI-Driven Storytelling
AI technologies are also being utilized to enhance public engagement with traditional crafts. Virtual reality (VR) experiences and interactive platforms allow users to explore Indigenous crafts in immersive ways. For instance, Madeline Gupta, a Chippewa student at Yale, is developing a VR project that enables Native youth to “visit” their ancestral lands. By combining spatial video and storytelling, her initiative bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional knowledge.
Ethical AI Practices for Cultural Preservation
Respecting Cultural Sensitivities
One of the most significant challenges in integrating AI into cultural preservation is ensuring ethical practices. Traditional AI frameworks often treat data as proprietary, which can harm Indigenous communities. Projects led by Indigenous technologists prioritize protocols that ensure communities maintain control over their cultural assets.
Suzanne Kite, an artist and technologist from the Wihanble S’a Center for AI, exemplifies this approach. Her work incorporates machine learning to explore Lakota knowledge systems, translating dreams into geometric patterns for beadwork. By resisting Western interpretations of AI, Kite demonstrates how localized knowledge frameworks can guide ethical and culturally relevant technological applications.
Building Sustainable Pipelines
Organizations like IndGenius are also focusing on long-term sustainability by creating pipelines for Indigenous students in STEM fields. Their T3PD program trains high school teachers—many of whom are Indigenous—to develop culturally relevant computer science curricula. This ensures that AI education is not only accessible but also resonates with the lived experiences of Indigenous students.
Broader Implications for Cultural Heritage
AI and Historical Artifacts
AI’s potential extends beyond Indigenous communities to the broader field of cultural heritage. Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage program, for instance, collaborates with museums and historical organizations to restore artifacts and digitize historical records. Similarly, the Scan4Reco project employs AI to predict the aging of artifacts, aiding conservators in their preservation efforts.
These projects highlight the versatility of AI in safeguarding intangible and tangible cultural heritage. By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, AI offers a pathway for communities worldwide to preserve their unique identities.
The integration of AI into cultural preservation marks a pivotal shift in how we safeguard heritage in the digital age. For Indigenous communities, this technology is more than a tool; it is a means of empowerment, reclamation, and resilience. From preserving endangered languages to revitalizing traditional crafts, these initiatives showcase the transformative potential of AI when guided by ethical and culturally relevant practices.
As organizations like First Languages AI Reality, IndGenius, and the Wihanble S’a Center continue to innovate, they are not only preserving history but also shaping a future where technology uplifts rather than erases. These efforts serve as a powerful reminder that progress and tradition can coexist, paving the way for a more inclusive and culturally rich world.
