Climate Change, the rise of global inequality, and the spreading takeover of authoritarian regimes are just a few indicators that we are living in an era of great transition. Many Indigenous Peoples around the globe have cultural teachings and prophecies about this period, and the choices that lie before us that will either protect and preserve our humanity, or lead us to chaos and destruction. The development and aggressive deployment of tech-based solutions, including AI, has shown that without proper governance, strict regulation of these industries, and rights-based approaches, the so-called promises of these tools are far outweighed by the threats they create. 

Despite stereotypes that falsely frame Indigenous Peoples as anti-technology Indigenous Peoples have long designed and developed tools and adapted technologies that have contributed to collective well-being and prosperity. Our holistic approaches, ethical and moral values defined by a shared responsibility to the natural world and all living things, especially our principles of kinship and relationality with all Life and sources of Life expose the harmful gaps in current strategies favored by states and the private sector in the buildout of AI technology and related infrastructure. This panel will explore Indigenous perspectives of tech-based solutions and AI, bringing frontline voices from those protecting their lands, peoples and ecosystems from the development of data centers, to those who are developing critical analyses, strategies, and tools to disentangle the real benefits of some technologies, from the false promises of tech oligarchs and the states weaponizing technological development. 

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 16:50 - 17:50 (GMT+3)
Where: Indigenous Peoples Pavilion, Blue Zone, COP31

Hosted by
Indigenous Climate Action
The Woven Project
Mohawks United in Safety & Health