Relational Futures: Indigenous Sovereignty and the Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Key Takeaways

• Indigenous-led study surveyed 36 participants and held 22 yarning circles
• Findings reveal AI impacts on communication, services, and cultural identity
• Community concerns focus on data sovereignty and algorithmic bias
• Recommendations call for co‑governance frameworks respecting Aboriginal law
• Report highlights need for ethical AI policies in Australian government

Pulse Analysis

Artificial intelligence now underpins everyday Australian life, from search engines to public service portals. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this rapid diffusion raises cultural and legal questions that intersect with long‑standing concepts of sovereignty. The Relational Futures project, led by Indigenous scholars Bronwyn Carlson and Tamika Worrell, maps how AI—especially generative models, automated decision‑making tools, and AI companions—is experienced across remote communities and professional settings. Their work frames AI as a relational force that can reshape identity, language, and self‑determination.

Using a mixed‑methods design, the researchers combined an online survey of 36 respondents with yarning circles involving 22 participants, a culturally appropriate dialogue format. The data reveal that AI tools are already influencing communication patterns, service access, and community decision‑making, but they also expose gaps in data sovereignty and heightened concerns about algorithmic bias. Participants emphasized the importance of retaining control over Indigenous data, fearing that external AI systems could perpetuate stereotypes or erode cultural protocols. These insights underscore the urgency of embedding Indigenous perspectives into AI governance frameworks.

The report calls for co‑governance models that give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities a seat at the table when AI policies are drafted, mirroring principles of self‑determination already embedded in Australian law. Such frameworks would require transparent data‑sharing agreements, community‑led impact assessments, and mechanisms to audit bias in real‑time. For technology firms and government agencies, adopting these standards could mitigate reputational risk while unlocking new markets that respect cultural values. As AI continues to scale, the Relational Futures findings provide a roadmap for aligning innovation with Indigenous sovereignty, setting a precedent for inclusive tech governance worldwide.