October 19, 2025

Māori and Indigenous AI News

A weekly AI curated and human edited digest of recent stories highlighting the intersections between artificial intelligence, Māori and Indigenous rights, and data sovereignty news from New Zealand and around the globe.

Why? We know mainstream media largely ignores our voices.

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September/October 2025

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Karaitiana Taiuru

Māori

How will ChatGPT impact te reo Māori? Data sovereignty experts weigh in.
Data sovereignty experts warn that large AI models may have trained on Māori language data without consent. RNZ
The Use of Māori Knowledge in AI
Explores the human-rights and cultural risks of integrating Māori knowledge into AI systems without Māori governance. Grimshaw Club
New project to develop an AI pronunciation coach for te reo learners; part of a broader push to reduce “pronunciation embarrassment.” The University of Auckland
Māori academic unveils the first AI‑generated voice in the Waikato‑Maniapoto dialect; raises authenticity and ethics questions. 1News
Researchers release a realistic te reo Māori AI voice model based on recordings from a respected language authority. University of Waikato
$1m grant to build an AI tool that improves te reo Māori pronunciation, in partnership with iwi‑led Te Hiku Media. The University of Auckland+1

Australia

Report Highlights Need for Indigenous-Led Approach to AI in Healthcare
Australia’s national science agency urges Indigenous governance and participation in AI for health. CSIRO
Digital Sovereignty or Digital Colonialism
Examines how Indigenous communities across the Pacific are asserting data sovereignty to resist “digital colonialism.” Peace & Humanity Monitor

Indigenous

Indigenous Sovereignty in the AI Era
The UN calls for global protection of Indigenous rights, consent, and governance in AI systems. UN OHCHR
For Indigenous Communities, AI Brings Peril — and Promise
Balances AI’s potential for language and cultural revitalisation against risks of extraction and bias. ICT News
AI Threatens Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Digital Self-Determination
Argues that national AI policies must embed Indigenous data governance to protect cultural autonomy. Policy Options (IRPP)
Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures
A global overview of how Indigenous communities are influencing ethical AI and data sovereignty movements. Cultural Survival
New Report and Guidelines for Indigenous Data Sovereignty in AI
UNESCO outlines new international guidelines promoting culturally grounded and rights-based AI development. UNESCO
Tribal Nations Put Sovereignty at the Center of the Future with AI
U.S. tribal nations pioneer community-controlled AI frameworks to preserve culture and governance. ASU News
Digital Sovereignty or Digital Colonialism: How Indigenous Communities Are Fighting for Control Over Their Data — discusses how AI systems risk perpetuating colonial power dynamics, with algorithmic bias as “algorithmic colonisation.” Platform for Peace and Humanity
AI threatens Indigenous data sovereignty and digital self-determination — argues that national AI strategies must embed Indigenous data‑sovereignty principles and consent frameworks. Policy Options
For Indigenous communities, AI brings peril — and promise — explores both opportunities and risks AI poses for Indigenous land, knowledge, and sovereignty. ICT
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights at the Intersection of Conservation and Artificial Intelligence — emphasizes the right to own, control, access, and possess Indigenous data under FPIC. WCS Newsroom
Indigenous sovereignty in the AI era — calls for embedding Indigenous self‑determination, identity, and rights in AI governance. OHCHR
Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the age of AI — highlights data sovereignty and promoting Indigenous‑led innovation as essential to avoid harm from AI systems.
Microsoft says U.S. law takes precedence over Canadian data sovereignty https://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-science/microsoft-says-u-s-law-takes-precedence-over-canadian-data-sovereignty/article
Claudio Pinhanez – The Yegatu Digital Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9lB4-IGjqw
AI and Brazil’s Indigenous Populations” calls for inclusive, decolonial AI and greater Indigenous participation in policy and governance. UNESCO
Indigenous leaders urge data/AI sovereignty and representation to protect rights and self‑determination in AI development. OHCHR
First Nations advocates warn AI could enable cultural appropriation; call for protections over Indigenous IP and data. ABC
Issue brief on Indigenous Peoples, media, and the 2025 theme “Indigenous Peoples and AI,” highlighting representation and consent. UNESCO
Overview of 2025 International Day theme “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” Cultural Survival
Second cohort of “Indigenous Pathfinders in AI” supports Indigenous technologists shaping AI grounded in community knowledge. Mila
Tribal nations are actively shaping AI strategies to embed sovereignty, cultural preservation, and data self‑governance. ASU News
A new Nature article discusses Indigenous data sovereignty (IDSov) in neurogenomics, emphasizing collective rights over data. Nature
AI threatens Indigenous data sovereignty and digital self‑determination — A policy commentary arguing that AI poses risks to Indigenous control of data and requiring Indigenous leadership in AI development. Policy Options
Indigenous sovereignty in the AI era — Indigenous leaders call for sovereignty, rights, and representation in AI systems. UN Human Rights Office
Indigenous Peoples Rights at the Intersection of Conservation and Artificial Intelligence — An article tying AI, conservation, and Indigenous knowledge systems with data sovereignty as a central concern. WCS Newsroom
For Indigenous communities, AI brings peril — and promise — A feature that examines both the opportunities and the threats AI poses to data sovereignty and community agency. ICT+1
New report and guidelines for Indigenous data sovereignty in artificial intelligence developments — UNESCO publishes guidelines to ensure ethical inclusion of Indigenous data rights in AI development. UNESCO

Te Kete o Karaitiana Taiuru (Blog)