Source: Duke Law and Technology Review

This article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) could provide new opportunities for strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-governance for Native American tribes. Tribal sovereignty refers to the inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States. AI technologies have the potential to support tribal governments in areas such as economic development, healthcare, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

The article highlights several ways in which AI could benefit Native American tribes. For example, AI-driven data analysis can help tribes manage natural resources more effectively, providing insights into environmental changes and enabling better decision-making for land and water use. AI can also improve healthcare outcomes in tribal communities by enabling personalized medicine and predictive analytics to address health disparities. Additionally, AI tools can assist in preserving indigenous languages and cultural practices through the development of language models and digital archives.

However, the article also addresses the challenges associated with AI adoption in tribal governance. These include concerns over data privacy, the potential for AI to perpetuate bias, and the need for tribes to have control over the data used by AI systems. The article calls for a careful approach to AI implementation that respects tribal sovereignty and ensures that AI technologies are used in ways that align with the values and priorities of indigenous communities.

Overall, while AI presents significant opportunities for enhancing tribal sovereignty, it also raises important questions about how to balance technological innovation with the preservation of cultural autonomy.