Presented by the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) Research and Data Management Sector and the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID)
Welcome to Season 2 of Voices of Sovereignty, a podcast series dedicated to exploring the important topic of First Nations Data Sovereignty. Through insightful conversations, compelling stories, and thoughtful analysis, the Voices of Sovereignty podcast aims to shed light on the importance of First Nations Data Sovereignty and inspire collective action toward a future where First Nation peoples have full control over their data, their narratives, and their destiny.
Whether you’re a public health professional, researcher, policy maker, or First Nations community member, this podcast series offers valuable perspectives and practical strategies for advancing First Nations-led data initiatives.
Episode 1
For this first episode of season 2, we welcomed Dr. Benjamin Wald, who is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Scarborough cross-appointed at the Philosophy department and the Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Benjamin shared his experiences in working with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and First Nations communities, and what AI can mean for the future of First Nations Data Sovereignty and governance. Together, we explored the potential harms and benefits of AI for First Nations communities, and addressed some common AI-related concerns, such as bias and privacy.
Speaker
Dr. Benjamin Wald completed his PhD in Philosophy at the University of Toronto and a postdoc in Artificial Intelligence (or AI) ethics at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society. During his postdoc, he helped to develop and launch the Embedded Ethics Education Initiative (E3I) at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus. He has worked as a senior policy analyst for the Ontario Department of Health and as a research analyst for the Chiefs of Ontario, Research and Data Management sector. He is passionate about making ethics education practical and accessible.
Episode Resources
Report of the AI, Data Sovereignty, and Cybersecurity task force – Cherokee Nation
Production of this podcast has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada to the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, but the views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the Agency.