Researchers using environmental DNA must engage ethically with Indigenous communities

Handsley-Davis, Matilda; Kowal, Emma; Russell, Lynette; Weyrich, Laura S.

doi:10.1038/s41559-020-01351-6

Cited by 26 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…For instance, human dispersal into Australia and North America may have led to megafaunal extinctions, declines and range shifts which could be examined in time and space with these types of data in combination with modelling of interactions among taxa and changes in N e through time (e.g. predator-prey models) [74]. Because megafaunal extinctions are often complex and multifactorial, a multi-taxon palaeogenomics approach will be especially valuable for assessment of the respective roles of human and non-human environmental changes in species extinction.…”

Section: (B) Correlating Human and Animal Demographiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because megafaunal extinctions are often complex and multifactorial, a multi-taxon palaeogenomics approach will be especially valuable for assessment of the respective roles of human and non-human environmental changes in species extinction. In this regard, we stress that ethical considerations, engagement with indigenous communities, as well as careful interpretation of the narrative stemming from these discoveries, will be essential to avoid any potential stigmatisation of indigenous peoples [ 75 ].…”

Section: Integrating Data From Humans Animals and Sedimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrating multi-taxon palaeogenomes and sedimentary ancient DNA to study past ecosystem dynamics

et al. 2021

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Ancient DNA (aDNA) has played a major role in our understanding of the past. Important advances in the sequencing and analysis of aDNA from a range of organisms have enabled a detailed understanding of processes such as past demography, introgression, domestication, adaptation and speciation. However, to date and with the notable exception of microbiomes and sediments, most aDNA studies have focused on single taxa or taxonomic groups, making the study of changes at the community level challenging. This is rather surprising because current sequencing and analytical approaches allow us to obtain and analyse aDNA from multiple source materials. When combined, these data can enable the simultaneous study of multiple taxa through space and time, and could thus provide a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem-wide changes. It is therefore timely to develop an integrative approach to aDNA studies by combining data from multiple taxa and substrates. In this review, we discuss the various applications, associated challenges and future prospects of such an approach.

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Section: (B) Correlating Human and Animal Demographiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Integrating Data From Humans Animals and Sedimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating multi-taxon palaeogenomes and sedimentary ancient DNA to study past ecosystem dynamics

et al. 2021

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“…While there is a clear impetus to engage with mana whenua when seeking to apply genetic/genomic tools to modern samples (Collier-Robinson et al 2019, Rayne et al 2020, and when identifying the whakapapa of human remains (e.g., , there is as yet no standard practice for engagement relating to the use of historic samples originating from non-human organisms, whether held in museums or private collections. In addition, the legal, ethical, and social ramifications associated with environmental DNA research in an Aotearoa New Zealand context are as yet unclear, with potential unforeseen impacts on Indigenous communities where such data may identify (or fail to identify) links between Indigenous communities and the land (see Handsley-Davis et al, 2020 for details). Further, emerging microbiome studies in conservation consider not just the genome of a focal taxon but also the genomes of its associated microbial communities (see Part 2: 8 Microbiomes), which also contribute to the mauri of species and ecosystems.…”

Section: Considerations For Taonga Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is extensive scholarship regarding data sovereignty pertaining to human genetic/genomic data, growing scholarship pertaining to culturally significant species (e.g., Caron et al, 2020;Claw et al, 2018;Collier-Robinson et al, 2019;Handsley-Davis et al, 2020;Hudson et al, 2020;Koia & Shepherd, 2020;Potenski, 2020;Walter et al, 2020), and the establishment of initiatives such as Te Nohonga Kaitiaki (www.genomicsaotearoa.org.nz/projects/te-nohonga-kaitiaki), Traditional Knowledge Labels (localcontexts.org/tk-labels/; Anderson, 2012) and Biocultural Labels (localcontexts.org/labels/biocultural-labels/; . As such, we will not discuss these matters in detail here, but we strongly encourage researchers and practitioners to explore these existing resources, and to centre mana whenua needs, aspirations and expertise throughout all aspects of research and practice.…”

Section: Data Sovereigntymentioning

confidence: 99%

Current applications and future promise of genetic/genomic data for conservation in an Aotearoa New Zealand context

Forsdick¹,

Adams²,

Alexander³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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1.To achieve the vision outlined in the national strategy for biodiversity, Te Mana o te Taiao, we will need to unite diverse disciplines, including conservation genetics/genomics.2.As conservation genetic/genomic data generated for—and associated with—taonga (treasured) species is also taonga, we highlight the need for collaborative research partnerships that centre the needs, aspirations and expertise of mana whenua.3.As a team of predominantly early-career conservation genetics and genomics researchers working across institutions as Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners, each speaking to our own expertise, we review available and emerging tools in the conservation genetics/genomics toolbox.4.To support practitioners in identifying appropriate and affordable tools from the toolbox, we present a table that encompasses resource requirements (including finances, time, and skill) to assist conservation practitioners in assessing the associated costs and benefits of these tools for informing conservation management.5.To support researchers and practitioners in establishing long-lasting partnerships with mana whenua, we highlight key aspects of data management and data sovereignty for consideration.6.Intended as a platform to initiate discussion within and among conservation practitioners and researchers, mana whenua, and local communities, the development of government policies is beyond the scope of this contribution.7.To meet the vision of Te Mana o te Taiao, we conclude by calling for a transdisciplinary approach that includes conservation genetics/genomics.

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“…Such antagonism often eclipses examples of Indigenous groups who participate in aDNA research (e.g., Mata-M ıguez et al, 2012;Rasmussen et al, 2014;Scheib et al, 2018;Tackney et al, 2015). Indigenous peoples are themselves active in pushing for greater control of both the process and products emanating from such research (Handsley-Davis et al, 2020;Hudson et al, 2020;Matisoo-Smith, 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An ethical crisis in ancient DNA research: Insights from the Chaco Canyon controversy as a case study

Cortez

Bolnick

Nicholas

et al. 2021

Journal of Social Archaeology

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In recent years, the field of paleogenomics has grown into an exciting and rapidly advancing area of scientific inquiry. However, scientific work in this field has far outpaced the discipline’s dialogue about research ethics. In particular, Indigenous peoples have argued that the paleogenomics revolution has produced a “vampire science” that perpetuates biocolonialist traditions of extracting Indigenous bodies and heritage without the consent of, or benefits to, the communities who are most affected by this research. In this article, we explore these ethical issues through the case study of a project that sequenced the ancient DNA (aDNA) of nine Ancestral Puebloan people from Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. By providing a “thick description” of this controversy, we are able to analyze its metanarratives, periodization, path dependency, and historical contingencies. We conclude that the paleogenomics revolution needs to include an ethical revolution that remakes the field’s values, relationships, forms of accountability, and practices.

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Researchers using environmental DNA must engage ethically with Indigenous communities

Cited by 26 publications

References 17 publications

Integrating multi-taxon palaeogenomes and sedimentary ancient DNA to study past ecosystem dynamics

Integrating multi-taxon palaeogenomes and sedimentary ancient DNA to study past ecosystem dynamics

Current applications and future promise of genetic/genomic data for conservation in an Aotearoa New Zealand context

An ethical crisis in ancient DNA research: Insights from the Chaco Canyon controversy as a case study

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