Toward Indigenous Presence: A Radical Relationality Approach for Designing Mixed-Reality Indigenous Data Experiences.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Indigenous Studies

Background:

• Participatory design often lacks frameworks for deep community engagement.
• Virtual and mixed-reality (MR) research requires culturally sensitive approaches.
• Indigenous communities have unique priorities for technology development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Indigenous Presence, a design principle for co-designing computing tools with Indigenous communities.
• To integrate Critical Indigenous Theory and MR presence theories into design.
• To outline factors for activating Indigenous Presence in practice.

Main Methods:

• Blending participatory design with radical relationality and presence theories.
• Developing the Indigenous Presence design principle.
• Documenting a six-year partnership with Micronesian and Dakota communities using MR for cultural knowledge exchange.

Main Results:

• Identified five factors for activating Indigenous Presence: community-relevant topics, inclusion of Indigenous makers, culturally identifiable experiences, centering radical relationality, and respecting Indigenous protocols.
• Demonstrated the application of Indigenous Presence in a long-term community partnership.
• Showcased the use of MR for revitalizing and exchanging cultural knowledges.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous Presence offers a pathway for ethical and community-centered computing research.
• This principle can enhance trustworthiness and participation in computing among Indigenous communities.
• The approach supports the revitalization and exchange of Indigenous cultural knowledges through technology.