Change is not a new concept to Cherokee Nation.

Our tribe’s history shows all-too-many examples of adapting to a changing world. Whether it’s social, geographical or technological, Cherokee citizens are resilient in the face of change. Key to our longevity is accepting change even as it shifts beneath our own feet but doing so on our own terms.

The latest global shift is in technology and the accelerated use of artificial intelligence, which is positioned to reshape the way all of us live and do business.

In 2024, my administration created a task force assigned to study the use of AI technology in our tribal government, how it affects our ability to govern, and how to best protect information — especially sensitive personal data about our citizens — through cybersecurity.

The task force’s work, which is ongoing, led to our tribe’s first AI policy, which I recently signed at the Cherokee Nation Employee Technology Summit with Cherokee Nation’s ChiefInformation Officer Paula Starr and members of the Council. This policy is a framework for all Cherokee Nation employees and contractors to guide ethical and secure use of AI.

Equally important, this policy affirms that the Cherokee Nation will never compromise the protection of our culture, language and traditions in the face of AI.

Our language is not a commodity to replicate — it is the foundation of our tribal identity. While AI can be useful in many areas of governance and delivering critical services to our citizens, it cannot be allowed to distort nor diminish the Cherokee language and cultural knowledge entrusted to us and passed down through our precious elders. Safeguarding the Cherokee language from misuse is central to our mission as a sovereign Nation, and it will remain a guiding principle in every decision we make.

However, we want to encourage active use of new technology to further our progress and ensure we are not left behind as bystanders in this technological transformation. Our new policy makes that clear, while also providing guidelines for safe application.

First and foremost, AI is a means, not an end. It is a tool to assist in our mission, but the end user is ultimately responsible for its application. A workplace study published through Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University this year found a significant reduction in critical thinking skills in employees who overused AI tools.

This policy ensures we don’t miss the forest for the trees. Put more plainly, we don’t want employees to lose basic skills due to AI misuse or critical-thinking atrophy.

Autocorrect is an early example of basic AI that we’re all accustomed to. Like the latest AI developments, we encourage its use to improve output. It’s existence, however, doesn’t negate learning and practicing proper grammar, punctuation and writing style. Underlying communication skills remain important in the workplace and beyond.

It’s also paramount in this conversation that our information be protected. Every Cherokee service – especially programs within our health system that contain patient information – has extraordinary security to ensure the private data about our citizens is protected.

AI presents new challenges to keep that information secure. Employees cannot be allowed to open doors that risk revealing private information of our citizens. Among many other protections, all AI platforms must first be approved for use through our IT professionals.

Our approach makes that crystal clear, but it also makes violations subject to disciplinary action and even termination.

As we explore its many uses to improve government services, this policy framework is designed to instill confidence that we are moving forward safely and intentionally. With the right tools in skilled hands, Cherokee employees will continue to provide the best services for the good of the Cherokee people year after year.

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