United Confederation of Taíno People Calls for Urgent Action on Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance

Representing Indigenous Peoples in International Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization and Human Rights

The United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) recently participated in the Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples' Mechanism (CSIPM) international webinar on Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization and Data Governance, where UCTP International Relations and Human Rights Officer, Tai Pelli presented an Indigenous perspective on the urgent need to protect Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance through a human rights-based approach.

Representing both the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) and the United Confederation of Taíno People, Pelli delivered a presentation entitled "An Indigenous Reality and Perspective on Data Sovereignty & Governance and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." Her intervention emphasized that Indigenous Peoples worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges arising from artificial intelligence, digitalization, data extraction, and the growing development of data infrastructure, all of which have profound implications for Indigenous rights, lands, waters, knowledge systems, and self-determination.

"Many Indigenous Peoples are still unfamiliar with the scope of what Indigenous Data Sovereignty truly encompasses," said Tai Pelli. "If we do not understand how our knowledge, cultures, medicines, technologies, territories, and even our identities are being digitized and extracted, we cannot adequately defend our rights."

During her presentation, Tai Pelli highlighted the historical extraction of Indigenous knowledge—including traditional medicines, agricultural practices, spiritual traditions, ceremonies, arts, and ecological knowledge—often without Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), reciprocity, or benefit-sharing. She warned that new technological developments risk accelerating these longstanding patterns unless Indigenous Peoples establish their own governance frameworks.

The presentation also drew attention to the increasing environmental impacts associated with large-scale data centers, particularly their significant demand for freshwater resources. Her presentation also expressed concern that Indigenous communities in several regions are already experiencing water shortages and environmental degradation linked to these developments.

"Water is Life," Pelli emphasized during the webinar. "Indigenous Peoples are already experiencing the impacts of environmental violence and environmental racism. The diversion of limited water resources to support expanding digital infrastructure threatens not only our communities but also our ecosystems, agriculture, food systems, and future generations."

UCTP believes that Indigenous Data Sovereignty extends far beyond information management. It encompasses Indigenous Peoples' inherent rights to govern how information relating to their cultures, traditional knowledge, genetic resources, territories, governance systems, languages, and identities is collected, stored, accessed, interpreted, shared, and utilized.

Among the recommendations advanced during the international dialogue were:

• Development of Indigenous-led education and public awareness initiatives on Data Sovereignty and Artificial Intelligence;

• Community capacity-building and "train-the-trainer" programs;

• Strengthening intergenerational partnerships between Elders and Indigenous youth;

• Building partnerships among Indigenous Peoples to share successful governance models and protocols;

• Supporting Indigenous-owned digital infrastructure and community-based data systems;

• Developing Indigenous protocols and governance frameworks grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

The UCTP reaffirmed that consultation alone is insufficient where Indigenous rights are concerned.

"Consultation is the means through which consent is sought," Tai Pelli stated. "A consultation process that does not result in the genuine exercise of Free, Prior and Informed Consent falls short of the minimum standards established by international human rights law."

UCTP President R. Múkaro Borrero noted that Indigenous Data Sovereignty will become an increasingly important area of Indigenous advocacy across the United Nations system.

"As artificial intelligence and digital technologies rapidly evolve, Indigenous Peoples must ensure that our rights evolve with them," Borrero said. "This is not simply a technological issue—it is an issue of human rights, cultural survival, environmental protection, self-determination, and Indigenous governance. The Confederation is committed to working with Indigenous Peoples globally to strengthen awareness, capacity, and Indigenous-led policy development in this emerging field."

The UCTP intends to continue supporting educational initiatives and international dialogue on Indigenous Data Sovereignty and encourages Indigenous organizations, governments, academic institutions, and civil society to recognize Indigenous Peoples as rights holders—not merely stakeholders—in all discussions relating to artificial intelligence, digitalization, and data governance.

About the United Confederation of Taíno People

Founded in 1998, the United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP) is an Indigenous representative organization dedicated to advancing the human rights, self-determination, cultural revitalization, environmental stewardship, and traditional knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. UCTP actively participates in international processes within the United Nations system and works collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples throughout the world to promote and protect Indigenous rights.

Media Contact

United Confederation of Taíno People (UCTP)

Email: info@tainocentral.org

Website: www.tainocentral.org