September 15, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET
Free virtual seminar, open to DPI affiliates
Generative AI Through Indigenous Perspectives: Ethics, Opportunity, and Responsibility
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we work, but how can we ensure its use is ethical, responsible, and aligned with the values of the communities it impacts?
In this session, participants will explore how Indigenous perspectives can help shape a more thoughtful approach to Generative AI. Drawing on the experiences of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), the discussion will examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI in policy development, program delivery, and public services, while highlighting the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty, ethical stewardship, and community-informed decision-making.
Attendees will gain practical insights into where AI can add value, where caution is warranted, and how to assess AI solutions through a lens of trust, accountability, and inclusion. Whether you are just beginning your AI journey or already exploring its potential, this session will provide actionable guidance for using AI responsibly in the workplace.
Meet the Speakers
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Melanie Copeland | Director of Digital Transformation, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Mélanie is a driven and engaging leader with 18 years of experience in the Canadian federal public service, with a passion for transforming organizations to enhance value of service offerings to Canadians. Her passion for digital transformation began in 2018 with the introduction of the Government of Canada Digital Standards coming out of Treasury Board. Since then, Mélanie has been an advocate for going digital and adopting modern ways of working to drive forward new capabilities and results for Canadians. Today, Mélanie is the Director for Digital Transformation at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, delivering on enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and effectiveness of CIRNAC operations and services through the adoption of digital technologies and a service mindset. |
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Diana Anton | AI and Digital Policy Officer, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Diana is an AI and Digital Policy Officer within the Digital Transformation Office at Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). She leads initiatives that advance responsible AI adoption and digital innovation across the department and develops internal policies related to AI governance. Diana has experience across the federal public service in policy development, strategic analysis, and horizontal initiatives, including work supporting senior leadership on digital transformation priorities, governance, and interdepartmental engagement. She has contributed to enterprise wide initiatives spanning AI, data, cyber, and service delivery, and is known for translating emerging technologies into practical policy and operational outcomes aligned with Government of Canada priorities. |
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Jennifer Lane | Chief Information Officer, Nunavut Arctic College Jennifer Lane is a transformative leader in technology innovation with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation across diverse sectors. As CIO of Nunavut Arctic College, Jennifer spearheaded the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology to bridge the digital divide in one of the world’s most remote regions, earning national and international recognition. Jennifer’s visionary leadership emphasizes decolonizing technology implementation to empower Indigenous communities. Her efforts focus on fostering Inuit knowledge sovereignty, building community resiliency, and ensuring that technological solutions align with cultural values. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Technology Innovation, Jennifer’s expertise spans enterprise architecture, AI adoption, and cybersecurity. A seasoned speaker, Jennifer has presented at TNC 2024 (France), the CANARIE Summit (Canada), SharePoint Tech Con (US) and government panels on Indigenous service delivery, as well as represented her Regional Education and Research network on Cybersecurity Panels and NREN Partner Panels within Canada, offering insights into technology’s role in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her work has revolutionized connectivity frameworks, supporting education and research while preserving Inuit societal values and traditions. |
