Fighting cultural appropriation in the age of AI | Angelo Baca | TEDxRISD

Key Concepts

• Intergenerational storytelling and connection to homelands
• Image protection and ownership for Native Americans
• Cultural appropriation and its legal implications
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential for perpetuating stereotypes and disrespecting cultural heritage
• Navajo philosophy (Nitsahakees, Nahat’á) as a framework for ethical technology use
• Importance of consent, permission, and respect in representing indigenous cultures

Image Protection and Representation

• Edward Curtis: His photographic project, while famous, is criticized for staging photos, manipulating images (e.g., removing clocks), and misrepresenting Native American cultures. The subjects of his photos do not own their images.
• Dr. Eric Overton's "Collodian": Angela Baka agreed to participate only under the conditions that she owns her image, any duplication requires her consent, and the project is open to public critique.
• Intergenerational Connection: The speaker shows a photo of her grandfather holding a bow and arrow, followed by a photo of herself holding the same bow and arrow, to illustrate the connection between stories, homelands, and the role of protectors.

Legal Protections for Native American Artisans and Intellectual Property

• Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990: Ensures the authenticity of Native American artwork due to widespread cultural appropriation.
• Navajo Nation vs. Urban Outfitters: Urban Outfitters used the "Navajo" name on products without authorization, violating the Navajo Nation's registered trademarks (over 100 with the US Patent and Trade Office). Products like "Navajo hipster panty" and "Navajo flask" were cited as disrespectful and illegal.
• Madappy Sweatshirt Case: Madappy used the Navajo Nation seal on a sweatshirt without permission. They received a cease-and-desist letter and later donated proceeds to the Navajo Nation to reach an agreement.
• 2009 Unauthorized Digital Recording Act: Resulted from the illegal duplication and sale of DVDs of the all-Navajo film "My Post 398."

AI and Cultural Appropriation

• Navajo Times AI Experiment (January 2024): When prompted to generate images, AI produced stereotypical depictions of Navajo people, such as elders in storytelling circles, struggling students, and mystical ceremonies.
• AI's Data Sources: The AI engine scrapes the internet, pulling from generic, consumable stereotypes, undoing efforts to combat these stereotypes.
• Loretta Posie Deepfake: An AI-generated deepfake video of the late Ute Mountain Ute elder Loretta Posie was created without her family's consent. The video showed her speaking about a white man's history, which was deeply offensive to her family.
  • Quote: "Hi I am Loretta Gene Posie it is an honor for me to tell you about my great-grandfather Chief Posie there are no clear photos of his face this is one of the better photos of him with a strand of hair cutting across his left eye" - AI generated Loretta Posie.
• Impact: This incident highlights the potential for AI to disrespect and appropriate the memories of indigenous elders.

Navajo Philosophy as a Framework for Ethical Technology Use

• Navajo Philosophy Model: Rooted in the world within nature, emphasizing cycles (day/night, seasons).
  • Nitsahakees (Thinking): The first part of the cycle, emphasizing thoughtful consideration before action.
  • Nahat'á (Planning): The second part of the cycle, emphasizing intentional planning.
• Application to AI: The speaker proposes revisiting these concepts to be intentional about technology use, rather than being mindless consumers.
• Navajo Nation Bar Association Presentation: The speaker presented on intellectual property and AI policy, connecting it back to Navajo culture.
  • Quote: "This is the first time I've ever been interested in learning more about AI technology because it connected back to my culture." - Elder gentleman at the Navajo Nation Bar Association.

Conclusion

The presentation emphasizes the importance of protecting indigenous images, intellectual property, and cultural heritage in the face of new technologies like AI. It advocates for using traditional Navajo philosophy as a framework for ethical technology use, emphasizing thoughtful consideration and intentional planning. The speaker calls for respecting and protecting indigenous IP and AI, recognizing that these technologies were not built for indigenous people. The presentation concludes with the Navajo phrase "T'áá hwó' aají t'éego," meaning "it's up to you," emphasizing individual responsibility in protecting indigenous culture.