Relational Futures: Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Relational Futures: Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Participant Information and Consent Form

Centre of Critical Indigenous Studies

Faculty of Arts

Wallumattagal Campus

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY NSW 2109

Phone: +61 (2) 9850 8891

Chief Investigators:

Distinguished Professor Bronwyn Carlson

Dr Tamika Worrell

Emails:

bronwyn.carlson@mq.edu.au

tamika.worrell@mq.edu.au

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research is to generate a deeper, Indigenous-led understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples know, use, and imagine artificial intelligence in everyday life. Central to this inquiry is the role of AI companions, technologies that simulate care, connection, and intimacy, and how they are taken up across health, education, employment, and social relations. The project examines not only current practices and experiences but also how Indigenous peoples envision futures with AI, asking what ethical, cultural, and relational frameworks should guide the design, governance, and use of these technologies to ensure they strengthen rather than undermine sovereignty, kinship, and digital justice.

Who can participate?

We are seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants over the age of 18 years and who are interested in AI

What does participation involve?

The online survey will take approximately 15-40 minutes of your time, and you will be asked questions related to your knowledge of and experience with artificial intelligence.

Participation in the survey is voluntary, and you can exit the survey at any point.

We have 5 gift cards valued at $100 each that you can opt in to have your details added to the draw

What are the benefits and possible risks?

We cannot guarantee or promise that you will gain direct benefits from participating in this research project. However, your involvement will contribute to generating new knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ understandings of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI companions, and how these technologies are shaping everyday life. The outcomes of this project will help develop ethical frameworks and practical resources to support Indigenous communities, policymakers, educators, and the tech sector in creating more just and accountable digital futures. In terms of risks, if you feel distressed completing the survey you can pause and/or exit at any stage.

What will happen with the information I provide?

Any information or personal details gathered during the project are confidential, except as required by law. Only the researchers named above will have access to the personal information you provide.

During the project, the data will be stored on Macquarie University’s SharePoint. It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums, including scholarly articles and a report that will be shared publicly. No individual will be identified in any publication of the results.

Who can I contact for further information or to submit a complaint?

If you want any further information about this project, including if you wish to participate, or if you have any problems which may be related to your involvement in the project, you can contact either of the Chief Investigators: Distinguished Professor Bronwyn Carlson -  bronwyn.carlson@mq.edu.au, Dr Tamika Worrell – tamika.worrell@mq.edu.au

Ethics approval

The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee Ethics Approval - Project Number: 520251975864772 If you have any complaints or reservations about any ethical aspect of your participation in this research, you may contact the Committee through the Director, Research Ethics & Integrity (+61(0)2 9850 7854; ethics@mq.edu.au). Any complaint you make will be treated in confidence and investigated, and you will be informed of the outcome.