The Protection That Tribal Nations’ Data Needs

Public agencies are moving quickly to adopt artificial intelligence. Federal guidance now encourages agencies to use and procure AI tools, while state and local governments are increasingly experimenting with systems that are already shaping public services, records, research and decision-making.

These efforts may have the intention of improving governance. But when it comes to cultural knowledge and data, AI technologies pose important questions about tribal nations’ sovereignty and governing authority that are too often overlooked by other government actors.