What does a tribe winning a fight about DNA use have to do with consultation?
The New York Times has published a very interesting article on the use of DNA in the research process that touches on a couple of issues related to our work here at ICT.
The first issue is a Western Science vs. Traditional Knowledge issue. In the article there is discussion about the origins of the people from a scientific perspective vs. the peoples traditional view. Note the impact that this discussion has on community members.
Second, it touches on the use of information gathered for for one purpose but then used for other purposes. From an educational perspective there is much to think about. The lesson for me is to be specific on forms. There should be no “and other purposes” language on forms. I would also want to be clear in my verbal communications with community members. From an aboriginal rights and title consultation perspective there is some interesting areas for exploration as well. For example, can the consultation information gathered for project X by the government then be used in making decisions for project Y and Z to fulfill legal and regulatory requirements for consultation?
Click here to have a read of the article.
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