Indigenomics NOW and the Fusion of Tradition, Technology, and Leadership
Yo, I’m Kris Krüg. Today, I’m thrilled to be in the heart of Indigenomics NOW 2024, a transformative 24-hour digital forum streaming voices, insights, and vision across the globe. This isn’t just any event—it’s a powerful meeting of Indigenous leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and tech pioneers dedicated to reshaping what the future of the Indigenous economy looks like.
Through the guidance of Carol Ann Hilton and her vision of a $100 billion Indigenous economy, we’re reclaiming space for Indigenous values within global financial and technological systems, amplifying them through the power of AI, cultural integrity, and ethical tech.
As a white settler ally, my role here is to support this movement, to amplify voices, not replace them. My work with the Indigenomics Institute and other leading First Nations organizations is about making AI and digital tools a respectful bridge—one way for me to support expand the reach and power of Indigenous knowledge systems. Indigenomics NOW is a gathering and a reckoning, building a new economy led by Indigenous voices, and tech is just one tool in that larger vision.
“This is more than an economic model; it’s a reclamation of space—digital, economic, and cultural. My role as an ally is to harness technology in a way that respects and amplifies the wisdom already within the Indigenomics movement.”
Section 1: Indigenomics as a Blueprint for Indigenous Economic Sovereignty
Carol Ann Hilton’s leadership in defining the $100 billion Indigenous economy is rooted in a decolonial approach that prioritizes community resilience and sustainability. Her work, especially Indigenomics: Taking A Seat at the Economic Table, has laid a framework that moves beyond inclusion and toward true economic sovereignty.
Events like Indigenomics NOW and Indigenomics on Bay Street don’t just put Indigenous voices on stage—they give Indigenous leaders a platform to engage directly in Canada’s economic core, reshaping these systems to better reflect Indigenous values.
Indigenomics isn’t about asking for a seat at the table; it’s about designing new tables grounded in reciprocity and life-centered economic practices.
“Carol Ann’s work is a radical blueprint, pushing beyond participation to reclaim and redefine economic power. Indigenomics challenges colonial narratives by centering Indigenous values and economic wisdom.”
Section 2: The Global Indigenous Technology House—Elevating Indigenous Knowledge in Tech Innovation
Earlier this year, Carol Ann launched the Global Indigenous Technology House at SXSW, a space where Indigenous perspectives guide tech innovation and ethical AI from the ground up. The Technology House is a dedicated space where Indigenous creators, builders, and storytellers can develop tools and tech aligned with cultural values like reciprocity, sustainability, and respect for the land.
This house, much like today’s gathering, isn’t about inclusion in existing frameworks. It’s about positioning Indigenous knowledge as a cornerstone for the digital future. It’s showing the tech industry that Indigenous perspectives aren’t just valuable—they’re essential.
“The Global Indigenous Technology House is setting a new standard for digital spaces, where Indigenous perspectives shape technology at every level. This isn’t just about participation—it’s about leading the digital future with respect and integrity.”
Section 3: AI as a Cultural Amplifier—Extending the Voices of Carol Ann Hilton and Indigenous Leaders
At Indigenomics, we’re not using AI to replace voices; we’re using it to amplify them. I’ve been developing AI-driven assistants trained on Carol Ann Hilton’s work, as well as the insights from other Indigenous leaders, to serve as digital stewards of their ideas. These tools use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to act as guides, connecting people directly with Indigenous economic wisdom in real-time, without diluting the context or purpose.
These AI tools are accessible to anyone who wants to understand Indigenomics more deeply. They’re not meant to speak for anyone—they’re there to make sure that the ideas and values of Indigenous economics are available in a way that’s respectful and rich.
“AI here isn’t a surrogate voice—it’s a guide that amplifies and extends the wisdom of Carol Ann and other Indigenous leaders, ensuring these ideas resonate without compromising cultural integrity.” — Kris Krug
Section 4: Indigenous Technologists Leading Digital Sovereignty and Cultural Innovation
At the core of Indigenomics NOW is the work of Indigenous technologists who are redefining digital sovereignty. Michael and Caroline Running Wolf’s First Language AI Reality Initiative uses AI and XR to create immersive environments where Indigenous languages are revitalized and passed on.
Through their work, the Running Wolfs are ensuring that Indigenous languages thrive in the digital age and are protected under principles of data sovereignty.
Similarly, Loretta Todd is leading the way with IM4 Lab, where she provides Indigenous artists with tools to tell their stories in VR, AR, and XR. And Josh Nilson? He’s reshaping Indigenous representation in the gaming industry, proving that digital sovereignty is about more than preservation—it’s about growth and innovation.
“Indigenous tech leaders like the Running Wolfs and Loretta Todd are setting a new standard for digital sovereignty. They’re preserving culture— expanding it, ensuring it thrives in the digital age.”
Section 5: Teaching AI Literacy—Building an Empowered Indigenomics Community
AI literacy is about empowerment. My work with the Indigenomics Institute includes training community members to navigate, leverage, and control AI tools, ensuring these technologies are used to uplift Indigenous voices. Today, as we explore these tools in workshops, we’re focusing on shifting the power dynamics so that tech serves rather than dictates.
This is about giving community members the ability to represent themselves, protect their data, and create tech ecosystems that support their values. Through these sessions, we’re fostering a collective understanding that AI can be an ally, not an oppressor.
“AI literacy in this context is about shifting control. We’re providing tools that enable Indigenous communities to direct technology for their benefit.”
Section 6: Ethical AI and Cultural Integrity—Ensuring Respect and Responsibility in Technology
At Indigenomics, every AI tool and initiative is grounded in ethical principles like data sovereignty, transparency, and cultural respect. Building AI tools that engage with Indigenous topics comes with the responsibility to protect and preserve—not exploit or extract. Our AI systems prioritize Indigenous ownership and control, so these communities direct their narratives rather than having their stories commodified.
“Our AI isn’t built to exploit or extract; it’s built to preserve and amplify. Every system we develop prioritizes cultural respect and the rights of Indigenous communities over profit or convenience.”
Section 7: Envisioning the Future of Indigenomics and Digital Sovereignty
Indigenomics NOW 2024 is a glimpse into a future where Indigenous-led economies thrive, where tech and finance align with values of reciprocity and cultural integrity. Carol Ann’s vision of a $100 billion Indigenous economy isn’t just a goal—it’s a call to action for Indigenous leaders, allies, and policymakers to actively shape a sustainable, community-centered future.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Indigenomics Institute isn’t just pioneering an Indigenous economy—it’s pioneering a global standard for ethical tech and finance. This is a roadmap for anyone invested in building economies that serve life and land.
“The future we’re building isn’t just about economic gain—it’s about creating a sustainable digital ecosystem where Indigenous values guide technology, and communities have true sovereignty over their narratives and futures.”
A Call to Join the Indigenomics Movement as Allies and Advocates
The work at Indigenomics NOW today is bigger than any one of us. This isn’t just an event; it’s a rallying point for Indigenous economic sovereignty, where tech serves as a bridge, not a barrier. My role as an ally and tech artist is to amplify these voices, ensure the technology respects and serves its purpose, and create platforms where Indigenous knowledge systems lead the way.
I invite everyone to support and engage with the Indigenomics Institute, to learn from the insights shared today, and to advocate for Indigenous-led economies. Together, we’re shaping a world where Indigenous voices define the future.
“In Indigenomics, my role as an ally is to facilitate—not to lead. We’re harnessing technology to honor a vision that was always there, ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the forefront of shaping the future.”
This is a movement to make the future Indigenous-led, ethical, and revolutionary. And it’s happening now at Indigenomics NOW 2024.
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