Genetics and Health

Discontentment Brews Over The Genographic Project

by Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD on December 11th, 2006

National Geographic has been running The Genographic Project since early 2005. Instead of being focused on the genetics of disease, The Genographic Project is interested in using DNA variations as a form of genetic archaelogy to track historical human migration and the development of racial groups from the beginning of human evolution. Not surprisingly, many indigenous groups have expressed their distrust of the project, including the Maori of New Zealand and now Alaska natives.

The New York Times has an in-depth look at what’s going on with The Genographic Project at present.

At issue is whether scientists who need DNA from aboriginal populations to fashion a window on the past are underselling the risks to present-day donors. Geographic origin stories told by DNA can clash with long-held beliefs, threatening a world view some indigenous leaders see as vital to preserving their culture.

But more importantly, indigenous leaders and others fear legal repercussions. For instance, DNA evidence might show that some members of the tribe aren’t related genetically and would then lose benefits. Or that legal claims over certain land, property, and rights be revoked.

What do they want? They want National Geographic to stop “sucking indigenous blood.”

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues recommended the halt of The Genographic Project this past May. It’s practically at a standstill anyway since almost every federally recognized tribe in North America is refusing to participate.

How much do people really care about their ancestors and their roots? If you were to ask me, I’d say very little. But as evidenced by the popularity of genealogy, plenty of people want to know as much as they can whether because of simple curiosity or a feeling of being connected to something more than the superficial aspects of living on this earth at this moment.

Clearly, scientists and others connected with The Genographic Project need to do a better of job of communicating the overarching goals and benefits such a study can achieve. After all, each of us is not just part of separated ethnic groups, but also part of the human race.

Technorati Tags: natioanl geographic, genographic project, indigenous groups, native american indians, alaska indians, alaska, maori, genetics, genes, dna, diseases, illness, health

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