Inclusive AI: Putting Humans at the Center of Development

“Les Territoires Imaginaires” educational workshop held on March 27 at École NAD-UQAC highlighted a fundamental issue: the exclusion of Indigenous cultures from databases undermines the fairness of artificial intelligence systems.

Supported by IVADO and organized by Printemps numérique, this event brought together university students from philosophy, digital arts, design, and film programs alongside two Indigenous ambassadors from the Mamo/Mamu project. Together, they explored how digital technology can become a tool for cultural appropriation and engaged creation.

Discussions emphasized the importance of data sovereignty for the digital self-determination of First Peoples. Participants addressed several challenges: algorithmic bias, ethical issues, and access to technology.

During the hands-on portion, each participant created their own imaginary territory using generative AI tools, developing both technical skills and a critical perspective on these technologies.

For IVADO, these educational workshops for students embody a necessary approach for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities: AI usage must incorporate a plurality of human experiences, particularly those from communities historically absent from technological conversations and developments. This approach represents a concrete necessity for developing systems that work equitably for everyone.