by Amy Harmon, The New York Times

This is an interesting piece involving the Havasupai Indians, a tribe located  in Arizona, and a group of research scientists of Arizona State University.

It seems that in 1990, blood samples were taken from tribal members by scientists from ASU for the purpose of discovering the reason for the devastating rate of diabetes among the tribal members.

What tribal members didn’t know was that in addition to diabetes research, their blood was being used for tests involving various other types of genetic research. Tribal members stated that the additional research was done without their permission and sued ASU. Both tribal members and researchers have viewpoints of the incident.

Tribal council woman Carletta Tilousi stated:

“I’m not against scientific research,…I just want it to be done right. They used our blood for all these studies, people got degrees and grants, and they never asked our permission.”

On the other hand, the article states:

“Researchers and institutions that receive federal funds are required to receive “informed consent” from subjects, ensuring that they understand the risks and benefits before they participate. But such protections were designed primarily for research that carried physical risks, like experimental drug trials or surgery…

Is it necessary, for instance, to ask someone who has donated DNA for research on heart disease if that DNA can be used for Alzheimer’s or addiction research?”

Here is a statement from Dr. Markow, the geneticist held responsible for the improper use of the  testing material:

“The consent form was purposely simple,… given that English was a second language for many Havasupai, and few of the tribe’s 650 members had graduated from high school. They were always given the opportunity to ask questions, she said, and students were also instructed to explain the project and get written and verbal consent from donors.”

The seven-year legal battle resulted in the Havasupai receiving a cash settlement, and support from the university in finding funding for a much needed clinic and high school. In addition, the blood samples taken from the tribal members will be returned and buried with the remains of the members in a sacred ceremony.

There is more to this article, so be sure to read the entire piece, then leave us your thoughts on this issue. Your opinions are appreciated.

Tags: Arizona State University, blood samples, DNA samples, Havasupai Indians, scienctific research

By Elizabeth Abbott, The New York Times

It is known that Native Americans lived in every state in this country, including Narragansett, Rhode Island. New archaeological evidence of the Narragansett Indians’ presence in that area has been discovered.

Some people were  exhilarated by the discovery:

“The discovery of the Indian village has excited archaeologists because of the insights it may give into how Indians lived in pre-Columbian times. To find the remains of an entire village is rare, according to archaeologists; only one other village similar in scope and complexity has been found on the East Coast, in Virginia.”

Others,  such as the development firm, Downing Salt Pond Partners, who own the property, are not exactly jumping for joy over the discovery. The firm has  already built a shopping plaza and 26 single-family homes on the land, and  they intend to  build 53 additional houses.

“The state is seeking to create a public archaeology park out of private land that Downing had already started to develop, not only violating the developer’s private property rights but also causing it considerable financial harm, the lawsuit states.”

The company is claiming that the state does not have the right to take the private land owned by Downing without compensation. Unfortunately, the state does not have the money, and is appealing to the public for support. So, the question is do we value the preservation of history and traditon, or  the rights of  the private property owners.

We at Talking Feather believe in the old adage “knowledge is wisdom”-

In other words, leave the Narragansett Indian site as it stands.

Read the article and leave your comments which are appreciated.

Tags: archaeological evidence, Downing Salt Pond, Narraganseet, Narragansett Indians, Rhode Island

NPR, April 7, 2010

Wilma Mankiller former tribal Chief of  The Cherokee Nation  died on Tuesday, at the age of 64.  A memorial for  Chief Mankiller will be held outside the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah, Ok. It is expected that thousands will attend the service. Details

NPR presents an excerpt from a 1993 interview with Wilma Mankiller. It is an opportunity for everyone to listen to this extraordinary woman discuss the high points and the low points of her life.

She  also discusses the history of her name, a brief background of her life growing up with her family, and why she decided to go into politics. She also talks about her near death encounter, and what she learned from the experience.

Another tribute to Wilma Mankiller:

Wilma Mankiller’s Trail of Triumph- By Paul Chaat Smith, April 8, 2010,  CNN

She will be remembered with love…

-Talking Feather-

Tags: Cherokee Nation, Chief, NPR interview, Oklahoma, Tahlequah, Wilma Mankiller

By  Jesse McKinley, Published: March 20, 2010, The New York Times

This is an interesting article about a small tribe with a big spirit. The Winnemem Wintu a small, poor tribe in San Francisco, embarked on a unusual journey. Two hundred members went to the Rakaia River, located in New Zealand, to apologize to the Chinook Salmon there.

The apology will be in the form of a ceremonial dance that the leaders say has not been performed in 60 years, which is the reason the fish are in short supply in California.

The tribe feels responsible for the loss of the fish because they allowed the building of the Shasta Dam, which in turn  blocked the Sacramento River, and in short cut off passage to the seasonal salmon runs.

“We’re going to atone for allowing them to build that dam,” said Mark Franco, the tribe’s headman. “We should have fought harder.”

The tribe worked hard to raise the $60,000 for the trip. There were some challenges to overcome before they could leave, such as Federal Express wanting $600 to ship their ceremonial drum. Since they couldn’t afford this, they checked it in at the airport with the rest of the religious paraphernalia, such as the sacred water, and ceremonial weapons.

interestingly, the tribe intends to do more than just  perform the ceremony.

The Francos say they intend to ask local fish and game officials if they can bring back some of New Zealand’s salmon eggs — once of California stock — back to the McCloud. “We have to do more than pray,” Ms. Sisk-Franco said. “We have to follow through.”

I applaud the Winnemem tribe for their strong belief in their culture, and for their intelligence in handling this matter. They have utilized both to  (we hope) win this battle.

A good article to read.

Tags: Chinook Salmon, New Zealand, Rakaia River, Sacrarmento River, Shasta Dam, Winnemem Wintu tribe