As we race toward a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent and trans­forms society, the economy, and our daily lives, Native peoples are at a crossroads. Navajo Technical University (NTU) is seeking to navigate this critical juncture by developing a new Diné AI innovation hub that explores ways artificial intelli­gence can be deployed in the Navajo Nation and Indian Country more broadly for capacity building, economic and workforce development, and community-based education.

A first step in the development of NTU’s AI hub was a special workshop convening this past May held in Crownpoint, New Mexico, that brought together southwestern tribal colleges, regional mainstream universities, Navajo Nation leaders, and researchers and scien­tists from national laboratories. During the workshop, participants heard from NTU’s president, Dr. Elmer Guy, the uni­versity’s ad hoc AI committee, and long­time tribal college educator Tom Davis, who framed the discourse by asking, “Are we going to be one of the drivers of AI, or are we going to be passive and see what happens?”

Following the presentations, partici­pants formed breakout groups to openly discuss their greatest concerns about AI, as well as the opportunities it presents. The lists for both were long. Concerns included the environmental impact of large data centers, job displacement, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, the ero­sion of critical thinking, cultural coopta­tion, the speed at which AI is being deployed, a lack of regulation, and whether we can successfully align AI to meet our goals. Participants saw opportu­nities for creating new wealth, revolution­izing healthcare and quality of life, democratizing access to information, and enabling more time for creativity as AI takes over mundane administrative tasks.

As part of NTU’s AI initiative, the ad hoc committee has identified a series of potential pillars. According to their report, new AI tools can be used for economic development where AI platforms gener­ate business plans, financial projections, and recommendations for a variety of sec­tors. For example, AI can assess weather patterns and soil composition to improve agriculture. Education is another pillar whereby AI can help create more effective learning experiences, tutoring systems, and administration through automation. In healthcare AI can better diagnosis potential health issues, predict outcomes, and devise effective interventions. With language and culture, AI has the potential to preserve languages that are critically endangered. Environmental management was identified as another pillar whereby AI can be deployed to make more accurate assessments of biodiversity, climate change, and pollution levels. Finally, the committee has identified organizational efficiencies as a main pillar as the university works to streamline operations, improve decision making, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Currently, there is little consensus on the deployment of AI in Indian Country. Indeed, many observers see AI as a real and growing threat to our well-being, our planet, and future generations. NTU’s Diné AI innovation hub seeks to make paramount early and active engagement in the development of AI systems.