Ancestral Knowledge Meets Modern AI

Opening address · 9:00 – 9:15am · Learn stage

What happens when tens of thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge systems meet artificial intelligence? In this session, Nathan Towney explores how ancestral ways of knowing — connection to Country, relational thinking, and deep observation — can shape more grounded, ethical and useful AI.

Rather than treating AI as purely technical, he looks at the opportunity (and responsibility) of building systems that listen to place, people and long-term thinking. A timely conversation for anyone interested in innovation that is both future-facing and culturally grounded.

Speaker: Nathan Towney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Engagement & Equity, University of Newcastle