Scientific study has deep roots in racism and exploitation, and genetic research is no exception. Historically, minorities and Indigenous communities have been disenfranchised by science and left out of conversations concerning many things, including their own genetic information. This review paper highlighted the many issues Indigenous communities have encountered with access to genomic data, and how researchers can work to prevent this. Indigenous communities have reason to be untrusting of scientists, especially with something as personal as genetic information, and this does not motivate them to participate in scientific research. The authors of this paper call for open communication and accessibility for Indigenous communities, and recognition of their rights and claims over their own genetic information. This is essential if scientists want to enhance the participation of these communities. To do this, researchers must (1) build trust, (2) enhance accountability, and (3) improve equity. By achieving this, we will be able to increase diversity and inclusion within genetic studies.
"It is vital that we do not perpetuate the continued disempowerment of Indigenous communities through the appropriation of their genetic heritage and genomic data."
Rachel Nelson
4/7, Nature Reviews Genetics potluck #4
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