Indigenous tech news grounded in joy and community building, and diverse voices
In this week's News River we celebrate Two-Spirit kin, the advancement of Indigiqueer wellness research and recognize the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance!
Boozhoo News River Readers,
You may have noticed the News River looks a little different this week. We have moved to a more values-aligned email newsletter provider: Buttondown!
Each Wednesday: same great curated news content and an new feature section digging deeper into one of the stories. We’re always open to sharing your news and views, just send us a note at news@animikii.com 💜
This week’s stories include:
University of Manitoba Lucy Delgado focuses on Michif and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer Education as Wellness; Delgado was recently awarded a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant to fund her work on the impact of Métis-specific spaces on the health and wellness of Métis women and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer people.
“Digitalisation of cultural heritage can only bring positive long-lasting outcomes if it understands, respects and honours the original cultural or historical significance,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, during the presentation of her latest report to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
AI is more than a technological breakthrough — it reshapes economies, labor markets, and social structures. Yet, the people most affected, particularly Indigenous and vulnerable communities, are often excluded from the conversation.
Feature: Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day
The big picture: This annual celebration aligns with the spring equinox, brings together Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans people with their families, allies, and communities in solidarity.
Why it matters: Two-Spirit Celebration and Awareness Day provides a vital platform for celebrating Two-Spirit identities while highlighting ongoing challenges like access to healthcare and cultural healing practices. As many big tech companies are backing away from diversity, equity and inclusion - Animikii will be doubling down.
Key points:
Last week's celebration emphasized ongoing support beyond a single day of recognition
Gender-based violence impacts Two-Spirit people's access to essential resources
The Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance launched their website earlier this year
What they're saying: "Some Indigenous people use the term 'Two-Spirit' to describe roles, identities, expressions, and responsibilities that exist beyond colonial understandings of gender and sexuality." — Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance
What's next: We are all encouraged to commit to ongoing learning and support, ensuring Two-Spirit people are celebrated and respected every day.
Learn more: Visit the newly launched Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance website at https://w2sa.ca for resources and to learn more about how to celebrate and honour Two-Spirit people
Curated Indigenous Technology & Innovation Articles
Four new UM Canada Research Chairs focus on Indigenous research
Each of the four new Canada Research Chairs are either Indigenous scholars or are engaging in research involving Indigenous researchers and/or communities. Their work incorporates Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, paradigms and tools that represent First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and honours their distinctions. Lucy Delgado from the Faculty of Education focuses on Michif and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer Education as Wellness and research will be grounded in joy and community building amongst 2S/IQ Michif peoples to amplify community voices.
How researchers can work fairly with Indigenous and local knowledge
Scientists around the world are recognizing that their research method isn’t the only way. The case of the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) not only demonstrates the value of knowledge held by Indigenous and local communities, but also illustrates how this expertise has often been exploited. “The fact that these anti-diabetic properties are known in traditional practices validates the Indigenous science that existed well before Western knowledge systems,” Cohall says.
Preserving cultural heritage and rights in the digital age
“Digitalisation of cultural heritage can only bring positive long-lasting outcomes if it understands, respects and honours the original cultural or historical significance,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, during the presentation of her latest report to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Xanthaki’s report focuses on the digitalization of cultural heritage and its impact on cultural rights. Although Xanthaki acknowledged the advantages of digitalization – for educational, research and enjoyment purposes, for example – she warned that these benefits can only exist if the process to digitalize cultural heritage integrates a human rights-based approach.
Why the UN AI Panel Must Include Marginalized Voices
On February 18, a UN-led GDC online stakeholder consultation brought together 500 participants from NGOs, the private sector, and civil society, focusing on establishing the AI panel and fostering the Global Dialogue. It was a critical step, but its success depends on who gets a seat at the table. AI is more than a technological breakthrough — it reshapes economies, labor markets, and social structures. Yet, the people most affected, particularly Indigenous and vulnerable communities, are often excluded from the conversation.
Experts Examine AI’s Influence on Tribal Data at OU Technology and Sovereignty Forum
The University of Oklahoma hosted the Ethical Tribal Engagement Series on March 5, convening tribal leaders, legal experts, and university faculty to explore the crucial intersection of artificial intelligence, data sovereignty, and tribal governance. Titled “AI, Data Sovereignty, and Tribal Issues,” the event featured a panel of three speakers who discussed the impact of emerging technologies on Tribal Nations and strategies for safeguarding tribal data and cultural heritage.
We’re always looking for your thoughts on News River. Take a moment to comment at the link below ⬇️ or reply to this email and let us know what you like and/or how we can improve!
Love the new look!