(August 9, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak urges Canadians and individuals from around the world to protect First Nations rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). She also called on governments to work with First Nations as full and equal partners in determining how AI tools are designed, governed, and used, including First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP) of information.
“This year’s theme, ‘Indigenous Peoples and AI – Defending Rights, Shaping Futures,’ calls for urgent attention to the growing impact of AI on First Nations and the critical need for meaningful inclusion of First Nations people in AI systems and processes,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations traditional knowledge is an invaluable resource that has served our Nations for millennia. As rights-holders, First Nations must be at the forefront of data sovereignty that preserves their languages, traditions, and knowledge, and also share equally in the benefits of AI, particularly in health breakthrouhgs. Technology must be empowering to their communities, shaping futures where First Nations voices are heard, respected, and valued.”
“The rise of AI must not come at the expense of our languages, knowledge systems, or sovereign rights. This technology presents a unique opportunity to revitalize First Nations languages, preserve our traditional knowledge, and protect our ways of life. But without First Nations inclusion and governance, AI risks becoming another tool that reinforces colonial systems and undermines our data sovereignty,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
Established by the United Nations in 1994 as part of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed every August 9, is dedicated to raising awareness and recognizing the contributions, achievements, and rich cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
343-573-1771 (mobile)
[email protected]