Honoring Indigenous Women and Girls in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

August 9, 2025, marks the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme highlights “Indigenous Women and Girls: Guardians of Knowledge in an AI World.” It is a call to recognize their vital roles in preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) reflects Indigenous values, identities, and voices.

Indigenous women and girls have always played central roles in their communities as knowledge keepers, healers, educators, and defenders of land and language. In today’s digital age, they are increasingly becoming innovators, using technology and AI to protect traditions, document oral histories, and advocate for rights.

Yet, despite their contributions, Indigenous women often face exclusion from global discussions on AI and technological development. AI systems are frequently designed without their input, leading to biased tools that overlook Indigenous realities and needs. This makes inclusive participation not only fair but necessary.

Across the world, Indigenous women are beginning to shape AI to serve their communities. They are building digital platforms in native languages, using machine learning to monitor environmental changes, and applying AI to strengthen Indigenous education. Their leadership is helping ensure that AI becomes a tool for empowerment, not erasure.

As we observe World Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, we must invest in education, digital access, and policy inclusion for Indigenous women and girls. Their voices must be central to ethical AI development—rooted in respect for land, identity, and community knowledge.

This day is not only a celebration but a call to action. Empowering Indigenous women and girls in the age of AI is a powerful step toward justice, sustainability, and true innovation. The future of technology must be as diverse and grounded as the communities it aims to serve.