Summary
This research paper explores the imperative to digitize indigenous knowledge (IK) to counter the underrepresentation of indigenous communities in Artificial Intelligence (AI). With 5% of the global population being indigenous, holding diverse cultures and languages, there is a risk of losing their rich heritage amid technological advancements. The paper contends that digitizing IK can preserve cultural history and mitigate bias in AI, historically skewed due to the absence of global South and indigenous perspectives. The methods involve a Correlational Research study examining the relationship between digitization of culture and bias in AI, with a future pathway incorporating experimental research to gauge the impact of missing data on AI systems. The paper underscores challenges faced by initiatives preserving indigenous knowledge, such as funding and historical biases, and stresses the urgency for research to address these issues and foster equitable AI technologies.