University of Kansas to host Sovereign Futures Series on AI and data sovereignty

The Office of Sovereign Partnerships & Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Kansas will host the Sovereign Futures Series: AI and Data Sovereignty Across the Southern Plains March 3-4, according to the university. The event will bring together tribal leaders, community practitioners, scholars, educators and technologists to examine how artificial intelligence, data governance and emerging technologies affect tribal sovereignty and Indigenous self-determination. Sessions will be held in person at the university and livestreamed.

The event will include panels on Indigenous data sovereignty, digital repatriation, AI governance and community-centered technology design, according to KU. “AI and data systems are already shaping everyday decisions,” Chamisa Edmo, a co-organizer and graduate student in computer science at KU, was quoted by KU News as saying. “The work ahead is building shared understanding of how these systems work and ensuring tribal nations have the authority to govern them.” The event is open to the public, with in-person and virtual registration available.