Weaving Indigeneity and Culture into the Fabric of HCI Futures

Authors: Jaydon Farao, Ajit G. Pillai, Hafeni Mthoko, Marly Muudeni Samuel, Houda Elmimouni, and Shaimaa Lazem

CHI Conference paper (Extended Abstracts 2025) examining how Indigenous and underrepresented cultural philosophies, values, and approaches should center technology development and human-computer interaction design. Authors argue that in a future where plurality and interconnectedness are integral to innovation, Indigenous perspectives must move from peripheral consideration to central positioning. The paper addresses how HCI must move beyond superficial cultural adaptations to engage deeply with cultural contexts, integrate cultural heritage into design processes, and address structural inequalities within technology development. Emphasizes community empowerment over technological "fixes" to systemic issues, demonstrating how social media can facilitate culturally sensitive design practices honoring community narratives.