Moderator: Frederick Hoxie, CAS Professor and Resident Associate, Department of History, University of Illinois
This genomics roundtable focuses on the interactions between science and the indigenous public, particularly how the genomic sciences can enable reclamation of histories and identities by indigenous peoples, as well as how indigenous people can enact sovereignty through collaborations with researchers from ancient DNA studies to modern studies.  In Uruguay, some people are discovering-or trying to confirm-that they have Native ancestors using mtDNA.  Both the national history and identities are changing in relation to these found ancestors.  In Canada, collaboration between First Nations and genomic researchers has led to productive programs to learn about the lifeways of ancestors, the training of Native students, and an important use of sovereignty to enhance research not only to hinder it.  Finally, in Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean, reconstruction of the Taino genome has led many more people to claim their sovereignty, but a recent reference to the Taino being extinct by researchers demonstrates the need for collaboration that can support reclamation of identities and cultures.

Additional funding for Monica Sans provided by The Institute for Genomic Biology.