International Institute for
Indigenous Resource Management

In the world of new biomedical research, indigenous genetic materials have become a "hot commodity". Whether for genetic diversity studies to prove or disprove world migration patterns, or for silver-bullet pharmacogenetic wonders, the genomes of indigenous groups, which are often viewed as isolated relics of pre-historic man, are sought after and deemed essential to the progression of modern, scientific understanding. Often, a moral argument biased toward unfettered research emerges in which indigenous peoples who are protective of their genetic materials are admonished to participate in research studies of uncertain quality to benefit all of mankind. Ethical standards for research and ownership over specimens and results are most difficult to establish in cases with the potential for financial gain or academic notoriety. Indigenous groups more often than not find themselves participating in projects with questionable research methodology and little or no substantial compensation for the loss of ownership and future access to specimens and research products. The workshop will explore the relationship between current regulatory mechanisms within the Intellectual Property Rights regime, indigenous common law practices concerning use and transfer of Traditional Knowledge and material resources, and indigenous notions of property, sacredness, and cultural identity and autonomy.