Old Ways, New

Culture. Research. Strategy.Technology

Remembering the past to create a future, where Indigenous knowledges shape Artificial Intelligence.

We question how millennia of diverse Indigenous knowledge systems, ancient technological design, and engineering practices can shape AI - its foundational mechanics, our relationship with it, and future dreamings.

Communication tower on a forested hilltop under a hazy sky.
A scenic view of rolling hills covered with dense forests and green fields under an overcast sky, with a stream flowing through the landscape.
A barren tree stands against a backdrop of fluffy white clouds and blue sky.
Dark textured black surface, possibly stone or concrete, with rough and uneven details.

Ensuring the safe, responsible, and ethical development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence is critical to mitigate risks and promote trust. Indigenous protocols for AI is a process that embeds cultural ethics, values, and rules into Machine Learning, providing assurance within AI systems.

black sand texture
Silhouette collage of various animals and plants including a human, kangaroo, platypus, and whale, arranged in a pyramid-like structure.
Silhouettes of various animals, plants, and human figures including a kangaroo, emu, platypus, dolphin, whale, shark, stingray, squid, koala, frog, bird, crab, and tree.

The strategic design process created for the design of places, spaces, services, experiences, and the resulting technological outputs. 

Our research explores the complexity and sophistication of Indigenous knowledge systems, and their capacity to inform new technologies through a connection to Country and kin.

We adopt Indigenous pedagogies in the way we share our knowledge. Our two-way learning workshops are group-oriented, context-specific, and purpose-aligned.

Silhouette of two seated people facing each other, possibly engaged in conversation.
Silhouettes of two people facing each other, one seated with a knee up, the other standing.
Silhouette of three people standing and slightly leaning, facing various directions, on a plain background.

Our creative projects incorporate video and film works and are practice-based research.  Indigenous Protocols for AI provides this research foundation, enabling technology as cultural practice through transdisciplinary formats.


Auntie Bron
Angie Abdilla
Faded grayscale face in circle

We are an Indigenous-owned business offering learning workshops, engaged in research, and leading the creation of cultural projects. We consider how Indigenous knowledge enables new possibilities in the application of AI systems and Machine Learning.

Old Ways, New is committed to the governance practices and design process for Automation and AI. We do this through culture, research, and strategy. Why? To support the next generation of Indigenous technologists and for the restoration, revitalisation, health, and wellbeing of Country and its communities.