Project Narrative The lack of American Indian and Alaska Native professionals in genomic sciences today highlights the tremendous need for effective training and research programs to prepare the next generation of indigenous students to be successful in their pursuit of careers in genetics research. This program combines didactic and experiential training activities, together with indigenous and community-based models of learning, to engage underrepresented Native students in research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics research.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project will explore the ethical, social, and cultural issues of the American Indians in regards to genetic research. Engaging tribal leaders and relevant stakeholders such as scientists, clinicians, and policy makers on issues around genetic research will create a more complete understanding of these challenges and enable them to create policies that may permit greater participation by American Indians and their tribes.

Over the past two decades, forensic DNA profiling has become an important tool in the investigation of human rights abuse and genocide. There is, however, little understanding of the ethical, historical, political, psychosocial, or policy dimensions of this application of genetic technology. The lack of a well-developed body of relevant research, and few regulations to guide the implementation of humanitarian DNA identification projects, means that organizations and individuals must develop their own ad hoc rules and procedures for the identification process.