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Artificial Intelligence (AI)

An overview and guide to using AI for staff and students

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Often, when people think of Artificial Intelligence, they picture what's known as Generative Artificial Intelligence (or genAI). These programs can "learn" through large datasets to create content and produce new information. Some examples of GenAI are ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, Grammarly, and ResearchRabbit, but numerous programs exist for many different purposes.

The rise of genAI technologies comes with many pros and cons to consider. It is essential to stay informed of the facts and ethical issues to decide if, how, and when to use AI. Some (but not all) of the risks and opportunities are described in the sections below. 

Want to learn more about what AI is, how it works, and some of the pros and cons? Start with this short video overview from the BBC.

 

AI and Indigenous Peoples

The increase of GenAI technologies has specific implications for Indigenous peoples that, if unaddressed, can cause harm and perpetuate colonialism. 

Issues to consider

GenAI functions by harvesting large amounts of data, including Indigenous data. Using this data without permission or acknowledgment violates Indigenous peoples' rights to control their data and share traditional knowledge in ways that honour Indigenous teachings (GIDA, n.d.). GenAI tools that take and reuse images, text, and art from Indigenous creators without consent and credit are appropriating Indigenous culture. Using this content, even unknowingly, furthers cultural appropriation.

GenAI tools are subject to bias and are more likely to produce information from a Western viewpoint, perpetuating "cognitive imperialism," or the dominance of Western worldviews over other ways of knowing (Ofosu-Asare, 2025). When using AI, be aware that this information is often inaccurate and could be harmful. 

Potential of AI

If created ethically and in consultation with Indigenous people, AI can be used by Indigenous communities for their benefit, such as to help preserve culture, language, and traditional knowledge (Ofosu-Asare, 2025). However, the appropriateness of AI for these purposes must be determined by individual Indigenous nations and communities.

AI Considerations

Privacy

"Free" AI tools are not truly free. Instead, they harvest the data you enter as the service's price (BCIT Library, 2025). Be cautious about what information you share, and never share anything copyrighted and/or belonging to another person or organization. It is crucial to respect Indigenous data sovereignty, which is the right of Indigenous people and communities to control their data by not sharing Indigenous data or Traditional Knowledge with AI tools without permission. 

Academic Integrity

AI can be used in academically dishonest ways. It can be tempting for some students to use these tools in an attempt to cheat. It is also challenging for Instructors to "AI proof" their assignments.

Reliability

GenAI is subject to errors and "hallucinations," causing it to provide false and misleading information. Often, this is hard to detect as it can sound and look very reliable. Information retrieved from AI tools should always be fact-checked.

Bias

GenAI tools can perpetuate race, cultural, and gender-based stereotypes and are more likely to produce information from a Western viewpoint (Ofosu-Asare, 2025; Unesqo, 2024). 

Equity

Access to computers or mobile devices and a fast and reliable internet connection is needed to use AI. Some programs require paid subscriptions to access their full functionality. This creates barriers for those who do not have access to this technology and an advantage for those who do (KPU, n.d.).  

Sustainability

The technology behind AI tools requires a large amount of energy. This creates carbon emissions that are harmful to the environment. 

 

Expanding Knowledge

GenAI has the potential to increase innovation. People can use this technology to develop new ideas and creations.

Productivity

AI can improve productivity by performing some tasks faster than a human can. This offloading of routine tasks can free up time for other things. There are AI tools designed to help keep you organized and improve productivity, as well.

Accessibility

GenAI can make learning more accessible for learners with disabilities (KPU, n.d.). 

Writing assistance

AI can improve writing by suggesting clarity, grammar, and tone improvements. This can be especially helpful for those for whom English is not a first language. GenAI can summarize and translate complex writing into plainer language, making information more accessible.

References

References

BCIT Library.(2025). Teaching with generative AI: Copyright and liability. https://libguides.bcit.ca/AI/copyright-and-liability

Global Indigenous Data Alliance (GIDA). (n.d.). CARE principles for Indigenous Data Governance. https://www.gida-global.org/care 

Kwantlen Polytechnic University. (n.d.).Generative AI: An overview for teaching and learning. https://wordpress.kpu.ca/generativeaitlkpu/files/2023/04/Generative-AI-An-Overview-for-Teaching-and-Learning-03042023.pdf

Ofosu-Asare, Y. (2025). Cognitive imperialism in artificial intelligence: Counteracting bias with indigenous epistemologies. AI & Soc 40, 3045–3061. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-024-02065-0

Vinson, N. (2025). The AI landscape in Canada: A critical moment for First Nations. First Nations Technology Council.https://www.technologycouncil.ca/news/the-ai-landscape-in-canada-a-critical-moment-for-first-nations/ 

Unesquo. (2024). Challenging systematic prejudices: An investigation into gender bias in large language models. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388971/PDF/388971eng.pdf.multi