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Research and Outreach Intern - Humaning.AI Initiative

Help Preserve Indigenous Cultural Heritage Through Ethical AI

Location: Calgary, Alberta (Remote/Hybrid)
Duration: 12 weeks (~20 hours/week)
Start Date: Flexible (April 2025 preferred)

About the Humaning.AI Initiative

The Humaning.AI Initiative is a groundbreaking project at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural preservation. We're on a mission to develop ethical AI solutions that help preserve indigenous languages, traditions, stories, and cultural knowledge for future generations. This initiative represents IAXOV's commitment to ensuring that technological advancement serves humanity's diverse cultural heritage.

Internship Overview

As a Research and Outreach Intern for the Humaning.AI Initiative, you'll play a crucial role in our preliminary founding phase. Your work will focus on researching and reaching out to indigenous communities to understand the cultural elements at stake and how AI can ethically support preservation efforts.

Through this internship, you'll help answer critical questions:

  • What cultural aspects (e.g., languages, traditions, stories) need to be preserved?
  • Why is preservation vital for indigenous identity and global heritage?
  • How can AI ethically and effectively support these efforts?
  • When are these cultural elements most at risk, and when should interventions occur?

This is a unique opportunity to blend academic research with real-world impact, contributing to a socially meaningful project while developing valuable skills in research, community engagement, and ethical AI applications.

What You'll Do

  • Investigate Cultural Needs: Identify what cultural elements are most critical to preserve and why they matter, through academic research and community insights.
  • Explore Preservation Methods: Examine how AI can be developed to preserve culture ethically, respecting indigenous protocols and perspectives.
  • Determine Timing: Assess when cultural elements are endangered and when preservation efforts are most urgent.
  • Engage Communities: Build relationships with indigenous groups to ensure their voices shape the Humaning.AI initiative from the ground up.
  • Produce Actionable Insights: Create comprehensive reports and presentations that will guide the initiative's development.

Internship Structure

Your 12-week journey with us will be divided into four phases:

Phase 1: Orientation (Weeks 1-2)

  • Get acquainted with the Humaning.AI mission and framework
  • Meet with the IAXOV team and potential indigenous representatives
  • Begin exploring existing cultural preservation efforts
  • Develop initial thoughts on what cultural elements need preservation and why

Phase 2: Research and Learning (Weeks 3-6)

  • Conduct literature reviews on cultural preservation, AI ethics, and indigenous sociology
  • Interview experts about how technology can aid preservation
  • Participate in supervised meetings with indigenous communities
  • Draft preliminary findings addressing key questions

Phase 3: Outreach and Contribution (Weeks 7-10)

  • Lead follow-up discussions with communities
  • Propose how AI could address preservation needs
  • Document preservation priorities
  • Help draft outreach strategies or educational materials

Phase 4: Reflection and Reporting (Weeks 11-12)

  • Finalize your comprehensive report
  • Create and deliver a presentation for the team
  • Write a reflection on your experience and its impact on your understanding of cultural preservation and AI

What You'll Bring

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in psychology, sociology, anthropology, indigenous studies, or a related field
  • Strong research skills and ability to synthesize complex information
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Cultural sensitivity and a genuine interest in indigenous heritage
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with a diverse team
  • Interest in the ethical applications of AI and technology
  • Previous experience with community outreach or engagement is a plus

What We Offer

  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to a project with real social impact and cultural significance
  • Mentorship: Weekly check-ins with the CEO of IAXOV (acting as Executive Director of the initiative)
  • Skill Development: Gain experience in research, community engagement, report writing, and ethical AI applications
  • Academic Alignment: Opportunity to connect your internship work with academic pursuits (e.g., honors thesis)
  • Flexible Schedule: Remote/hybrid work arrangement with adaptable hours
  • Team Collaboration: Work with IAXOV members and community liaisons
  • Resources: Access to research databases, project documents, and virtual meeting tools

How to Apply

Please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line "Humaning.AI Internship Application":

  1. Your resume/CV highlighting relevant coursework, research experience, and skills
  2. A cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining:
    • Why you're interested in the Humaning.AI Initiative
    • How your background prepares you for this role
    • Your thoughts on the ethical considerations of using AI for cultural preservation
    • Your availability (start date and weekly hours)
  3. A writing sample demonstrating your research and analytical skills (e.g., a course paper, blog post, or article)
  4. Contact information for two academic or professional references

Application Timeline

  • Application review: Rolling basis
  • Interviews: Virtual interviews with selected candidates
  • Selection notification: Within 2 weeks of interview
  • Internship start: Flexible, with preference for April 2025

IAXOV Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from indigenous students and those from diverse backgrounds who can bring unique perspectives to this important work.