Information technology (IT) and indigenous knowledge (IK) in Latin America: pro-indigenous, para-indigenous, and per-indigenous IT–IK integration for development

Information technology (IT) has become pervasive and is significantly impacting the lives of diverse populations, including those of indigenous people. This study presents five case studies about Latin American indigenous people’s situation regarding the impact of IT on their indigenous knowledge (IK). The case studies present diverse experiences at continental, national, local/regional, institutional, and community levels, to gain a multifaceted understanding of the situation of indigenous people. The findings indicate that IT is essential for the preservation, dissemination, and integration of IK. This study also revealed three roles that indigenous people play in these IT initiatives: as recipients (pro-indigenous), as collaborators (para-indigenous), and as autonomous designers (per-indigenous), who are actively developing and implementing self-driven initiatives for IT – IK integration. The implications for the sustainable development of Latin American indigenous people are discussed in order to raise the awareness of governments, local authorities, researchers, and practitioners about this topic.