Michael Running Wolf, an AI researcher and co-founder of the First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR) program at the Mila–Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, is known for his unique ability to navigate both the technical world of AI and the cultural world of Indigenous communities. Born and raised just outside the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana, Running Wolf learned traditional Cheyenne and Lakota artistry and heard Indigenous languages spoken regularly. This heritage has deeply informed his mission to use AI and virtual reality to preserve and revitalize threatened Indigenous languages. Running Wolf's academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Montana State University in 1999, despite limited family and counselor guidance. His interest in Indigenous cultures and histories was further ignited during his master’s studies, where he explored the ecological and cultural influence on language by collecting stories in Siberia and using natural language processing to find linguistic parallels. One of the main challenges in applying AI to Indigenous languages is their structural complexity. Unlike many Western languages, which follow a subject-verb-object pattern, Indigenous languages are often verb-based and polysynthetic, with single words conveying entire sentences. This complexity makes AI algorithms less effective at recognizing and translating these languages, highlighting the need for customized models. Running Wolf and his wife Caroline, who speaks 11 languages and holds a degree in Native American studies, co-founded the non-profit Buffalo Tongue. Their goal is to use technology to reclaim and standardize the teaching of Indigenous languages. They recognize the risks associated with AI, including the potential exploitation of language data by tech companies. Historically, many Indigenous communities have faced violence and cultural suppression, including policies that made speaking traditional languages illegal. As a result, there is significant mistrust regarding the collection and use of language data. Despite these challenges, Running Wolf believes that involving Indigenous communities in the development process can mitigate risks and build trust. For instance, Te Hiku Media in New Zealand collaborated with local Māori communities to co-create an automatic speech recognition system for te reo, the Māori language. Running Wolf has also been instrumental in forming networks and initiatives like Indigenous in AI and IndigiGenius, which aim to ethically design and create AI tools for and by Indigenous communities. These initiatives partner with organizations such as Natives in Tech, the Indigenous Protocol and Artificial Intelligence Working Group, and the Abundant Intelligences research project. Together, they advocate for community involvement and ethical practices in AI development. In 2019, Running Wolf and Caroline participated in workshops that produced a position paper on the ethical design of AI tools, emphasizing the importance of obtaining community consent and respecting cultural sovereignty. A key issue is the shortage of fluent Indigenous language speakers, which hampers language transmission to younger generations. Running Wolf stresses the need for robust curricula and standardized teaching methods to train new instructors and better educate students. Current classroom methods often lack effective pedagogy and success metrics, underscoring the urgency of developing resources that align with Indigenous cultural values and learning styles. Industry insiders view Running Wolf's work as groundbreaking, bridging traditional knowledge with modern technology while prioritizing ethical considerations and community empowerment. His approach not only helps preserve endangered languages but also ensures that Indigenous communities have a say in how their data and cultural assets are used. By fostering collaboration and respect, Running Wolf aims to leverage AI for the greater good, ensuring that technology benefits, rather than harms, Indigenous heritage.