Empower Indigenous self-determination in the digital space

The specific problem we are addressing is the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Indigenous cultures within AI systems, which perpetuates harmful biases and stereotypes, further marginalizing Indigenous communities. Globally, Indigenous peoples face systemic discrimination and lack of representation in various sectors, including technology. According to the United Nations, there are over 476 million Indigenous people worldwide, with approximately 5,000 distinct Indigenous cultures and languages.

The lack of accurate and comprehensive data on Indigenous tribes within AI systems contributes to this problem, as existing datasets often prioritize the perspectives and writings of dominant cultures, predominantly those of white individuals. This bias limits AI's ability to accurately understand and interact with Indigenous communities, leading to inaccurate portrayals and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Our proposal directly addresses the challenge by acknowledging the prevalent biases in current AI systems, which predominantly reflect the perspectives and writings of dominant cultures, particularly those of white individuals. This bias has resulted in a significant underrepresentation of Indigenous tribes and their unique identities within AI systems. By creating the Indigenous Tribal Database, we aim to rectify this disparity and promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of human culture and society within AI systems.

The Indigenous Tribal Database has the potential to profoundly impact the way AI systems interact with and understand Indigenous communities. By providing AI algorithms with access to accurate and diverse information about Indigenous tribes, we can mitigate biases, challenge stereotypes, and foster greater cultural sensitivity and respect within AI technologies. This has the potential to empower Indigenous self-determination in the digital space and contribute to broader societal efforts towards reconciliation and decolonization.

Leveraging advancements in data management and AI technology, the creation of the Indigenous Tribal Database is feasible. We will collect and organize existing information from reputable Indigenous sources, scholars, and community members to ensure the database's accuracy and relevance. Additionally, partnerships with Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and tech companies will facilitate the sustainable development and maintenance of the database, ensuring its accessibility and scalability over time.

Indigenous communities worldwide face the challenge of underrepresentation and misrepresentation in technology, particularly within AI systems. To address this issue, we propose the establishment of a Think Tank focused on Indigenous self-determination in AI. This Think Tank will serve as a platform for raising awareness among Indigenous tribes about the importance of self-determination in shaping AI's understanding and interactions with their cultures. Through community engagement initiatives, cultural sensitivity training sessions, and advocacy efforts, the Think Tank will empower Indigenous communities to reclaim control over their cultural narratives and representations in the digital space. By fostering collaboration and dialogue between Indigenous tribes, technology experts, and advocacy groups, the Think Tank will work towards creating more inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive AI systems that accurately reflect the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures

1. Data Collection and Curation: The database will involve the collection and curation of data on Indigenous tribes' history, cultural practices, governance structures, languages, and contemporary issues.

2. Database Development: The Indigenous Tribal Database platform will be developed to ensure accessibility, scalability, and compatibility with AI systems and other digital platforms. User-friendly interfaces and robust search functionalities will be incorporated to facilitate easy access to information.

3. Community Engagement: Indigenous communities will be actively engaged throughout the development and implementation process to gather input, feedback, and support for the project. This engagement will ensure that the database accurately reflects Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and needs.

4. Partnerships: Collaboration with Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, tech companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and international organizations will be key to the success of the database initiative. Partnerships will provide expertise, resources, and networks to support database development, implementation, and scalability.

Implementation Plan:

1. Pilot Phase: A pilot implementation of the database will be conducted in collaboration with select Indigenous communities and AI developers/researchers. This pilot phase will allow for testing, refinement, and feedback gathering to ensure the database meets user needs and expectations.

2. Evaluation and Iteration: The effectiveness and impact of the database will be evaluated through ongoing monitoring and evaluation processes. Feedback from users and stakeholders will be solicited to identify areas for improvement and iterate on the database's design and content accordingly.

3. Expansion and Scaling: Once the database has been successfully piloted and refined, efforts will be made to scale up its implementation to reach a broader audience of AI developers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Opportunities for funding, partnerships, and collaboration will be explored to support the database's expansion and sustainability.

Benefits:

1. Promotion of Cultural Sensitivity: The Indigenous Tribal Database will promote a more inclusive and respectful representation of Indigenous cultures within AI systems, fostering greater cultural sensitivity and respect.

2. Empowerment of Indigenous Communities: By prioritizing Indigenous voices, knowledge, and perspectives, the database will empower Indigenous communities to assert control over their own narratives and representations in the digital space.

3. Enhanced AI Understanding: AI systems will have access to accurate and diverse information about Indigenous tribes worldwide, enabling them to interact more accurately and respectfully with Indigenous communities.

Our solution involves establishing a Think Tank for Indigenous Self-Determination in Technology. This Think Tank will serve as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of self-determination in shaping technology's understanding and interactions with Indigenous cultures. Through community engagement initiatives, cultural sensitivity training sessions, and advocacy efforts, the Think Tank will empower Indigenous communities to reclaim control over their cultural narratives and representations in the digital space. By fostering collaboration and dialogue between Indigenous tribes, technology experts, and advocacy groups, the Think Tank will work towards creating more inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive technological solutions that accurately reflect the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures. This Indigenous-led approach ensures that the solution directly benefits and is located within the Indigenous communities it aims to serve, promoting meaningful improvement in their lives and advancing Indigenous self-determination in the digital age.

We acknowledge that individually, we may not possess all the strengths and resources needed to tackle the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. However, we firmly believe that by coming together, pooling our diverse talents, perspectives, and resources, we can create a powerful force for positive change. We recognize the importance of collaboration, solidarity, and collective action in addressing the complex issues affecting Indigenous peoples worldwide. Together, as a united team committed to the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous communities, we can leverage our combined strengths to develop innovative solutions, advocate for meaningful change, and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

We often find ourselves grappling with the challenge of curating and preserving our own tribal identities amidst the dominant narratives and representations imposed upon us. As Indigenous peoples, our histories, cultures, and traditions are rich and diverse, yet they are frequently overlooked, misunderstood, or misrepresented by mainstream society. This struggle to curate our own tribe arises from a lack of control over the narratives and images that shape how our communities are perceived and understood. We face external pressures to conform to stereotypical portrayals, while simultaneously striving to assert our own agency in defining and celebrating our tribal identities. This struggle is further compounded by historical injustices, ongoing systemic inequalities, and the relentless march of globalization, which threaten to erode the distinctiveness and vitality of our cultures. Despite these challenges, we persevere in our efforts to reclaim our narratives, assert our sovereignty, and ensure that our tribal identities are honored, respected, and preserved for future generations.

We are applying to Solve because we believe in the power of collective action and collaboration to address the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, particularly in reclaiming and preserving our cultural narratives and identities. As the sole tribe to hold lands in Plymouth, Massachusetts, we have experienced firsthand the erasure and misrepresentation of our history and voices by colonizers and dominant Native cultures. Our story has been told through the lens of outsiders, often overlooking or distorting our perspectives, experiences, and contributions. This historical injustice has resulted in a loss of agency and sovereignty over our own cultural heritage, as well as a lack of recognition and respect for our tribal identity.

We hope that Solve can help us overcome the financial, technical, and cultural barriers we face in reclaiming our narrative and preserving our cultural heritage. Specifically, we seek support in developing innovative solutions that empower Indigenous communities to curate, preserve, and share their own stories and identities on their own terms. This may include access to funding, technical expertise, legal support, and partnerships with organizations committed to Indigenous rights and representation. By connecting us with partners who share our vision and values, Solve can help amplify our voices, elevate our stories, and advance our efforts towards reclaiming our cultural sovereignty and self-determination.

Mehtugq Week, also known as Jackie Saltalamacchia, proudly stands as a spirited firekeeper and embraces their identity as a Two-Spirit member of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe (HPWT). Born to Jill Lauzon Red Coyote and the grandchild of Returning Moon David Aubrey Hirsch, Mehtugq draws inspiration and purpose from the deep connection to their lineage as a direct descendent of Sachem Quachattacett in the "royal" line of Monument Ponds/Herring Pond Wampanoags. Fueled by this ancestral connection, Mehtugq is motivated to channel their efforts with unwavering dedication towards the betterment of the HPWT.

Mehtugq, a resilient spirit, stands firmly rooted as a "sheltering tree" dedicated to protecting the sacred HPWT Lands, Culture, and Wampanoag traditions. They passionately believe in the dynamic, living nature of culture, seeing it as intricately shaped by the community in the present moment, with a commitment to making it inherently inclusive for all. Serving as the co-chair of the Cultural Council and Director of Pondville Indian Church, Mehtugq Week works tirelessly to ensure that every tribal member, including fellow Two-Spirit individuals, gains access to empowerment. Through their tenacious efforts, they aim to cultivate active engagement and inspire meaningful contributions within the Wampanoag community.

Within Mehtugq's perspective, the essence of being a Tribal member extends beyond mere titles, taking on the utmost significance in the Wampanoag community. Embracing this dynamic position involves serving as a steward of the Lands and a torchbearer of traditional native knowledge. In this transformative role, Mehtugq Week commits themselves to fostering a community that values and acknowledges all identities, actively contributing to the improvement of future generations.

Our solution stands out for its innovative approach to cultural preservation and representation. By placing Indigenous communities at the forefront and centering their voices, knowledge, and perspectives, we empower them to reclaim control over their cultural narratives in the digital space. Through community-led design processes, we ensure that our solution is culturally sensitive, relevant, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. Leveraging technology as a tool for empowerment, we create innovative ways for communities to curate, share, and celebrate their cultural heritage. By fostering collaboration and partnerships across sectors, we catalyze broader positive impacts, inspiring others to adopt Indigenous-led approaches to cultural preservation and representation. This approach has the potential to change the market landscape by challenging existing norms in the tech industry and creating new opportunities for cultural sensitivity and respect within the broader society.

Our solution aims to make a difference by putting Indigenous communities in control of their own cultural narratives and representations. By involving these communities directly in the design and implementation of our project, we ensure that their needs and perspectives are prioritized. This means creating platforms and tools that are easy for Indigenous peoples to use and that accurately reflect their diverse cultures.

Through workshops, consultations, and partnerships with Indigenous organizations, we gather feedback and insights to guide our work. By leveraging technology, such as digital platforms and AI tools, we provide innovative ways for Indigenous communities to preserve, share, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

As a result, we expect to see immediate outputs such as the development of user-friendly digital platforms and the creation of culturally sensitive content. In the longer term, we anticipate outcomes such as increased pride and confidence among Indigenous peoples in their cultural identity, greater recognition and respect for Indigenous cultures in society, and a more inclusive and equitable representation of Indigenous peoples in the digital space.

Ultimately, by empowering Indigenous communities to control their own narratives, we aim to foster a sense of agency, dignity, and self-determination among Indigenous peoples, leading to positive social and cultural outcomes for generations to come.

Our impact goals for our solution are straightforward: empower Indigenous communities to control their cultural narratives in the digital space, preserve Indigenous cultures and heritage, increase recognition and respect for Indigenous cultures in society, ensure digital inclusion for Indigenous communities, and foster social cohesion and pride among Indigenous peoples in their cultural identity. To measure progress, we will track engagement levels of Indigenous community members in our digital platforms, quantify the digitized cultural artifacts and stories shared, assess changes in public perception through surveys, monitor access and digital literacy levels among Indigenous households, and evaluate community cohesion and pride through qualitative interviews and surveys. Through ongoing dialogue and feedback with Indigenous communities, we will ensure our solution remains relevant and impactful.

our solution harnesses modern digital platforms and AI technologies to empower Indigenous communities in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage. By providing user-friendly tools for digitizing and showcasing cultural artifacts and stories, we enable communities to reclaim control over their narratives. Additionally, our solution integrates eco-friendly design principles, respecting traditional ecological knowledge and promoting sustainability. Through this blend of modern and ancestral technologies, we foster cultural empowerment while honoring Indigenous traditions and values.

North East of America

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Currently, our solution team consists of 3 volunteer:

one year

Our team is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. We actively recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create equitable opportunities for all team members. We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment by offering professional development, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. We regularly review and assess our DEI goals to ensure progress and actively promote diversity as a strength within our organization.

At its core, our business model is about empowering Indigenous communities to take control of their cultural narratives and heritage while ensuring the sustainability of our operations. We cater to Indigenous communities, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and individuals interested in engaging with Indigenous cultures.

Our offering revolves around digital platforms and tools designed to facilitate the digitization, curation, and sharing of cultural artifacts, stories, and traditions. These platforms provide intuitive interfaces for uploading content, organizing digital collections, and fostering community engagement. Leveraging AI-driven features like language translation and content recommendation ensures inclusivity and usability for all users.

Indigenous communities benefit by gaining a platform to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, reclaiming agency over their narratives in the digital realm. Cultural organizations and educational institutions gain access to rich and diverse cultural content for research, education, and outreach. Individuals interested in Indigenous cultures enjoy immersive experiences that foster understanding and respect.

Revenue is generated through grants, donations, and fees for premium features and services. Additionally, sales of merchandise and cultural products related to our platform, along with potential licensing agreements, contribute to our financial sustainability. By aligning our revenue streams with the needs and values of our stakeholders, we ensure the longevity and impact of our business model.

Our plan for financial sustainability involves diversifying our revenue streams through a combination of sustained donations and grants, selling products or services, and potentially raising investment capital in the future. In the short term, we rely on grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and corporate partners to fund our work. These funds cover operational expenses, project development costs, and staff salaries.

To date, we have successfully secured grants from several reputable foundations and government entities to support the development and implementation of our solution. Additionally, we have received donations from individual supporters who believe in the mission and impact of our work. These funds have enabled us to launch pilot projects, conduct research and development, and expand our team to further our goals of empowering Indigenous communities and preserving their cultural heritage.

In the long term, we plan to explore additional revenue streams, such as selling products or services related to our solution, licensing our technology to other organizations, and potentially seeking investment capital from impact investors or venture capitalists. These revenue streams will help us achieve financial sustainability and ensure that our work can continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the years to come.