Podcast Summary
Inspired by ancestral stories, Ke'olu Fox combines science and culture to empower indigenous communities: Scientist Ke'olu Fox uses traditional knowledge and genetic research to strengthen Polynesian communities, embodying indigenous futurism's goal of using technology to benefit indigenous peoples
Indigenous futurist and genome scientist Ke'olu Fox is using the knowledge of his Hawaiian heritage to empower his community and create a resilient future. Growing up in Hawaii, Fox was inspired by the stories of his ancestors and their use of traditional knowledge to navigate the Pacific. Now, he's working with Polynesian communities to understand their genetic history and apply that information to future challenges. This blend of science and culture is an example of indigenous futurism, which asks how technology can be used to benefit indigenous communities. Whether it's through the stories we tell or the science we pursue, Fox encourages us to look to the past to build a stronger, more inclusive future. For more on this topic, listen to the Overheard podcast episode featuring Ke'olu Fox and his work.
Appreciating the natural environment in Pacific islands: Exploring the wilderness, learning traditional navigation skills, and immersing in local culture enriches the experience of Pacific islands' beauty and diversity.
The connection to nature and the natural environment is a significant part of the lifestyle and heritage in Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Fishing, diving, hunting, and exploring the wilderness are essential activities that help people appreciate the beauty and diversity of the region. The stars play a crucial role in wayfinding and navigation, and the stories and traditions surrounding them are deeply rooted in the culture. The opportunity to learn these skills and stories from the community adds to the richness of the experience. Imagining yourself as an early explorer arriving in an untouched place like Hawaii or Tahiti, you can only begin to understand the awe and wonder these islands inspired in their first settlers.
The Complex History of Polynesian Exploration and Colonization: Despite common beliefs, Polynesians didn't come from South America but originated in Asia. Their accomplishments were discredited due to racism, leading to the loss of knowledge systems like wayfinding.
The history of Polynesian exploration and colonization is far more complex than what is often presented in textbooks or major scientific journals. The popular belief for many years was that Polynesians traveled from South America to the Pacific, but this is now known to be incorrect. Instead, they originated in Asia and made long journeys across the Pacific, reaching places like Hawaii, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui. However, their accomplishments were often discredited due to deep-rooted racist beliefs. From the 1940s to the 1970s, Hawaiian culture was on life support, with Hawaiian language and traditional practices suppressed. Additionally, there was a "virgin soil epidemic," where Polynesians were exposed to diseases like leprosy, syphilis, and smallpox, leading to a significant population decline. In such situations, the loss of knowledge systems is a devastating consequence of colonialism. Wayfinding, the traditional Polynesian method of navigation, almost went extinct. The language and understanding of this important skill were lost, making it a tragic example of the destructive impact of colonialism. It's essential to remember that history is dynamic and complex, and it's crucial to challenge simplistic narratives and acknowledge the full scope of events and their consequences.
The Hokule'a's voyage to Tahiti and its significance in Hawaiian history: Discovering the connection between genetics and history led to a new perspective on the past, viewing it as a reflection of our relationship with geography and disease, shaping our unique genetic makeup through a journey akin to island hopping.
The historic voyage of the Hokule'a sailing from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1977 marked a significant moment in Hawaiian history, symbolizing the first Hawaiian renaissance. This event, captured by National Geographic, demonstrated the Polynesian connection to their ancestral roots. Later, during my time at the University of Maryland, I discovered the connection between genetics and history through a paper about the impact of diseases on the European genome. This revelation inspired me to see history in a new light, as a reflection of our past and our relationship with geography and disease. The genome can be seen as an ocean, and our journey through it is akin to island hopping, shaping our unique genetic makeup. In my research, I have reconstructed the migratory history and diaspora in Polynesia, using actual island names, emphasizing the profound impact of the ocean on our ancestry.
Exploring human genetics in Polynesia: A complex endeavor: Researching human genetics in Polynesia involves advanced techniques, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with local communities to address unique histories and health concerns.
Understanding the complexities of human genetics, especially in remote and diverse communities like those in Polynesia, requires a significant time investment, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. Researchers are not just collecting genetic data through simple methods like cheek swabs, but are using advanced techniques to infer a larger portion of the genome. For instance, a project in Polynesia looked at relationships between different communities in Tahiti, Hawaii, and other regions, considering their unique histories and health concerns, such as high rates of gout. Engaging with local communities and prioritizing their health questions is crucial to ensure ethical and meaningful research.
Challenging exploitative practices in genetic data extraction: Companies like Variant Bio prioritize benefit sharing, giving back a portion of revenue to communities, fostering partnerships, and potentially providing financial capital for land trusts.
The extraction of genetic data from communities for commercial gain, which was historically done in a colonial and exploitative manner, is being challenged and disrupted by companies like Variant Bio. Instead, they prioritize benefit sharing, where a portion of the revenue generated from discoveries is given back to the communities from which the data was sourced. This circular economic mechanism not only fosters community partnerships but also has the potential to provide financial capital for land trusts to buy back land from those who historically stole it. This approach is important in building trust and addressing resistance to genetic studies, especially in indigenous communities, where the consequences of errors can be more significant due to the strong cultural ties to the land.
Balancing scientific research and indigenous communities: Respect cultural traditions while advancing scientific knowledge, involve communities, encourage education and training, and approach with sensitivity and respect.
The relationship between scientific research and indigenous communities involves a delicate balance between respecting cultural traditions and advancing scientific knowledge. This is particularly true in the field of ancient genomic studies, where the origins of remains can be a source of contention. Researchers must consider whether they have the right to ask certain questions, especially if the remains were acquired through violent means. Instead, they should encourage community involvement and empowerment through education and training. However, there is also a need for patience and timing, as some communities may not be ready to engage in certain research projects. Scholar Maile Arvin's concept of "regenerative refusal" emphasizes the importance of waiting for the right opportunity and having technological independence before pursuing research. Ultimately, it's crucial for researchers to approach this complex issue with sensitivity and respect for the cultural significance of indigenous communities.
Disconnect between academic priorities and indigenous needs in genome science: Geneticist Keolu Fox founded Native BioData Consortia, established first independent genome center on a reservation, and aims to create a mobile genome center for real-time analysis in remote locations, promoting conservation and healthcare for indigenous populations, and decolonizing genome science.
There is a disconnect between the priorities of major academic universities in the field of genome science and the needs of indigenous communities. Keolu Fox, a geneticist and advocate for indigenous rights, has addressed this issue by founding the Native BioData Consortia and establishing the first independent genome center on a reservation in the US. Fox is passionate about making genome science more inclusive and collaborative with indigenous communities, and his dream project involves creating a mobile genome center that can generate data on the go. This technology would enable real-time analysis of bacteria, viruses, and other factors in remote locations, leading to more effective conservation efforts and improved healthcare for indigenous populations. Fox's work highlights the importance of decolonizing the field of genome science and ensuring that indigenous communities have a seat at the table in scientific research. To learn more about Fox's work and the broader context of indigenous genomic research, check out his TED talk and essay in Scientific American, as well as our piece on Polynesian wayfinding and the Hokulea's first female captain, Lehua Kamalu.
A Team of Dedicated Individuals Produced the Podcast: A team of editors, producers, managers, and executives collaborated to create engaging podcast content for National Geographic
This week's episode of our podcast was produced by a team of dedicated individuals, including senior editor Eli Chin, producers Kyrie Douglas and Elana Strauss, senior producers Brian Gutierrez and Jacob Pinter, manager of audio Cargo Wells, executive producer of audios Dvar Ardelon, photo editor Julie Howe, and sound designer Honsdale Hsu. This team, along with Vice President of Integrated Storytelling Michael Tribble, National Geographic's Editor in Chief Nathan Lump, and your host Peter Gwen, brought this episode to life as a production of National Geographic Partners. The National Geographic Society, committed to preserving the wonders of our world, funds the work of National Geographic Explorer Kaye Oo Fox. Together, this team creates meaningful and engaging content for us to enjoy.
