MarketNeutral
25th April 2010, 11:46 AM
A Native American tribe from the Grand Canyon has accepted a substantial settlement from an Arizona university after accusing its scientists of "genetic piracy".
The Havasupai tribe had given blood to Arizona State University in 1990 so that research could be done into why its members were badly afflicted by diabetes.
But scientists went on to use the samples for other tests including research into schizophrenia, inbreeding, and ancient population migration.
One subsequent research article suggested the Havasupai had originated in Asia, before crossing the Bering Sea and settling in the Grand Canyon.
That was a conclusion the Havasupai did not like as they believe they originated in the canyon and are closely spiritually connected to it.
The Havasupai claimed their samples were used for tests they had not consented to and, seven years ago, ordered researchers to be barred from their isolated village, which is accessible only by a rough trail or helicopter.
A lawsuit was filed by 41 members of the 650-strong tribe against the university, originally claiming $50 million (£30 million.)
The university has agreed to pay $700,000 (£450,000) and return 200 remaining blood samples which will be buried in a traditional ceremony in the Grand Canyon.
Thirty-two of those who gave blood have since died and, according to Havasupai traditions, they cannot return to the spirit world while part of them remains unburied.
Carletta Tilousi, a Havasupai tribal councilwoman, said: "Their spirits will no longer be locked in a cooler."
Ernest Calderon, president of the Arizona Board of Regents, which governs the university, said it "has long wanted to remedy the wrong that was done."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7620625/Grand-Canyon-tribe-accepts-genetic-piracy-settlement.html
The Havasupai tribe had given blood to Arizona State University in 1990 so that research could be done into why its members were badly afflicted by diabetes.
But scientists went on to use the samples for other tests including research into schizophrenia, inbreeding, and ancient population migration.
One subsequent research article suggested the Havasupai had originated in Asia, before crossing the Bering Sea and settling in the Grand Canyon.
That was a conclusion the Havasupai did not like as they believe they originated in the canyon and are closely spiritually connected to it.
The Havasupai claimed their samples were used for tests they had not consented to and, seven years ago, ordered researchers to be barred from their isolated village, which is accessible only by a rough trail or helicopter.
A lawsuit was filed by 41 members of the 650-strong tribe against the university, originally claiming $50 million (£30 million.)
The university has agreed to pay $700,000 (£450,000) and return 200 remaining blood samples which will be buried in a traditional ceremony in the Grand Canyon.
Thirty-two of those who gave blood have since died and, according to Havasupai traditions, they cannot return to the spirit world while part of them remains unburied.
Carletta Tilousi, a Havasupai tribal councilwoman, said: "Their spirits will no longer be locked in a cooler."
Ernest Calderon, president of the Arizona Board of Regents, which governs the university, said it "has long wanted to remedy the wrong that was done."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7620625/Grand-Canyon-tribe-accepts-genetic-piracy-settlement.html