Indigenous peoples, with their rich history and diverse cultures, contribute significantly to the world's heritage. However, they often face unique political concerns that vary from region to region. These concerns are shaped by a myriad of factors, including historical, socio-economic, and technological influences. This article delves into these political concerns, providing a global perspective while drawing on examples from various countries.
Digital neo-colonialism is a modern form of colonialism that involves the control or influence of digital resources and technologies by dominant countries. This phenomenon has a significant impact on Indigenous peoples, particularly in the Global South (Roberts & Montoya, 2022).
Digital neo-colonialism often leads to the marginalization of Indigenous cultures, as dominant countries control the narrative and access to digital resources. This raises concerns about data governance, access, privacy, and rights, which are crucial for the protection of Indigenous cultures and environmental ecosystems.
For instance, the Maasai people in East Africa have been fighting for data sovereignty, as multinational companies have been exploiting their traditional knowledge and genetic resources without their consent. This highlights the need for legal and economic incentives to protect Indigenous cultures globally and steer global data law towards protecting the earth.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to reduce socioeconomic disparities and empower Indigenous communities (Pérez-García, 2021). However, the implementation of these technologies often overlooks the specific needs and contexts of Indigenous peoples, leading to a form of digital divide.
For instance, in Mexico, the Wixarika people have been using ICTs to protect their sacred land. Despite the tensions between traditional views and contemporary technologies, they have managed to appropriate ICTs to voice their concerns and fight against the encroachment of their lands. This highlights the need for a postcolonial critical framework on what 'development' associated with ICT should be, and how it should respect and uphold the rights and cultures of Indigenous peoples.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are becoming increasingly influential in our society, raising public concern over their ethical implications (von Struensee, 2021). Indigenous peoples are particularly affected by the lack of reliable data and the biased assumptions embedded in AI algorithms.
For example, in the United States, AI systems used for predictive policing have been criticized for reinforcing racial biases, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. This highlights the need for human wisdom and judgment in the development and application of AI, to contain its harmful impact and ensure its responsible use.
The future of space exploration also intersects with Indigenous rights (Neilson & Ćirković, 2021). As countries like Canada plan their next chapter of space exploration, it's crucial to include Indigenous peoples in the planning process and respect their rights and worldviews.
For instance, the Hawaiian people have been protesting against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, a mountain considered sacred in Hawaiian culture. This raises questions about how Outer Space Laws intersect with treaties between Indigenous Nations and the Crown, and how the narratives of space exploration parallel the historic narratives of colonization that negatively impact Indigenous peoples.
Light pollution is another concern, as it threatens Indigenous traditions and knowledge systems based on the stars (Hamacher, de Napoli, & Mott, 2020). The erasure of the night sky acts as a form of ongoing cultural and ecological genocide, severing Indigenous connection to the stars.
For example, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia have been affected by the growing light pollution, which disrupts their ancient knowledge and connection to the stars. Efforts to reduce light pollution are necessary to preserve this ancient knowledge and uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Digital Sovereignty - Maori people, New Zealand: The Maori people in New Zealand have been advocating for digital sovereignty, which includes the right to control and manage their digital data and information. This issue is particularly relevant in the context of health data, where the Maori people have been fighting for the right to control and manage their health information to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Land Rights - Sami people, Scandinavia: The Sami people, who live in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have been fighting for their land rights for centuries. Despite some progress, they continue to face challenges in asserting their rights over their traditional lands and waters, which are often threatened by mining and other industrial activities.
Cultural Preservation - Ainu people, Japan: The Ainu people in Japan have been struggling to preserve their culture and language in the face of assimilation policies and modernization. This includes efforts to revitalize the Ainu language, which is currently classified as critically endangered by UNESCO.
Climate Change - Inuit people, Arctic regions: The Inuit people, who live in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, are on the front lines of climate change. The rapid warming of the Arctic is threatening their traditional way of life, which is closely tied to the land and the sea ice.
Political Representation - Adivasi people, India: The Adivasi people, who are the indigenous population of India, have been fighting for better political representation. Despite constituting a significant portion of the population, they are often marginalized in the political process, leading to a lack of policies that address their specific needs and concerns.
Understanding the political concerns of Indigenous peoples globally requires acknowledging the diverse challenges they face. From digital neo-colonialism to the impact of AI and light pollution, these issues highlight the need for inclusive and respectful policies that uphold Indigenous rights and cultures.
Hamacher, D. W., de Napoli, K., & Mott, B. (2020). Whitening the Sky: light pollution as a form of cultural genocide. ArXiv. Link
Neilson, H., & Ćirković, E. E. (2021). Indigenous rights, peoples, and space exploration: A response to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Consulting Canadians on a framework for future space exploration activities. ArXiv. Link
Pérez-García, L. (2021). The ICT-Buen Vivir Paradox: Using Digital Tools to Defend Indigenous Cultures. ArXiv. Link
Roberts, J. S., & Montoya, L. N. (2022). Decolonisation, Global Data Law, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. ArXiv. Link
von Struensee, S. (2021). The Role of Social Movements, Coalitions, and Workers in Resisting Harmful Artificial Intelligence and Contributing to the Development of Responsible AI. ArXiv. Link