AI technologies should be approached with cultural awareness, especially in Australia’s diverse context. The following information outlines key considerations - from First Nations perspectives to global biases - to help staff and students use AI ethically and inclusively.
The term First Nations has been used throughout this page to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the continent of Australia. The term Indigenous has been used when referring to a particular name of a resource, conceptual framework, or standard as it applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or other First Nations groups across the world.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to First Nations knowledge systems presents both potential and risk. While AI can support the preservation and sharing of language, culture, and Country-based knowledge, it must be approached with great care. Respect for Indigenous intellectual and cultural property (ICIP), community protocols, and data sovereignty is essential. Ethical guidelines, such as those in the Out of the Black Box Report (PDF), emphasise the importance of First Nations leadership and co-design in AI projects to ensure these technologies support, rather than exploit or misrepresent, First Nations knowledges.
AI systems are often trained on data dominated by Western perspectives, which can lead to biased outputs that overlook or misrepresent diverse cultural contexts. Understanding and addressing these biases is essential to ensure AI is inclusive, fair, and globally relevant.
AI tools and systems should be designed to serve diverse users fairly and respectfully. Building inclusive AI requires attention to who creates it, the data it uses, and how it represents different communities and identities.
When used ethically and responsibly, AI can support First Nations cultural preservation by helping to document, protect and share knowledge. In language revival, it can assist with recording, translating and teaching traditional languages, making them more accessible to younger generations. When developed by, or in partnership with First Nations communities, AI can help preserve stories, songlines and other cultural expressions.
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
