Artificial Intelligence And Native-Owned Business: Innovation, Sovereignty, And Sustainability

This paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within Native-owned businesses and tribal communities, situating these developments within historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts. It explores how AI is being utilized for operational efficiency, cultural revitalization, and educational transformation while critically engaging with the challenges of infrastructure, workforce development, data sovereignty, and environmental sustainability. Drawing upon both historical and contemporary perspectives, the analysis demonstrates that AI adoption in Indian Country is not merely a technical process but also a profound expression of sovereignty, resilience, and innovation. The paper concludes by identifying pathways for tribally led AI governance and sustainable development, underscoring AI’s potential to become a transformative tool for both cultural preservation and economic empowerment.