Short Bio
Karaitiana recently completed writing a PhD focusing on traditional Indigenous knowledge and effective cultural engagement processes with bio technologies in particular genetic and genomic research. Next month he will begin as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Brain Languages and Behavior Institute at the University of Canterbury analyzing Polynesian languages data sets and exploring Te Tiriti responsibilities and data sovereignty.
Karaitiana Taiuru
Abstract
An introductory discussion about how New Zealand’s two founding documents Te Tiriti and He Whakaputanga are ethically relevant today to AI, Algorithms, Data, Robotics and IOT. The often used and misunderstood term “Maori Data Sovereignty” will be discussed and analyzed in a way that will assist Data practitioners to be able to create culturally safe strategies that lesson unconscious biases, stereotypes and that promote culturally safe and engaging data projects.
The discussion will also cover Māori ethical frameworks, engagement frameworks, technical solutions and various cultural concerns that all data scientists and AI workers in academia and government should be aware of to prevent further discrimination, racism and digital colonialism.
The recent facial recognition system from DIA will be discussed as a case study of why the implementation will only create more suspicion, culturally unsafe practices and possible discrimination against Maori.
The presentation will follow a Māori cultural practice of ‘wānanga’ where an interactive and open discussion and questions are invited and encouraged from the audience and debate is welcomed.
Location: Vice Chancellor’s Suite – Old Government House