Native American DNA

Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science

By: Kim TallBear

Narrated by: Donna Postel

In Native American DNA, Kim TallBear shows how DNA testing is a powerful - and problematic - scientific process that is useful in determining close biological relatives. But tribal membership is a legal category that has developed in dependence on certain social understandings and historical contexts, a set of concepts that entangles genetic information in a web of family relations, reservation histories, tribal rules, and government regulations. At a larger level, TallBear asserts, the "markers" that are identified and applied to specific groups such as Native American tribes bear the imprints of the cultural, racial, ethnic, national, and even tribal misinterpretations of the humans who study them.

TallBear notes that ideas about racial science, which informed white definitions of tribes in the 19th century, are unfortunately being revived in 21st-century laboratories. Because today's science seems so compelling, increasing numbers of Native Americans have begun to believe their own metaphors: "in our blood" is giving way to "in our DNA". This rhetorical drift, she argues, has significant consequences, and ultimately, she shows how Native American claims to land, resources, and sovereignty that have taken generations to ratify may be seriously - and permanently - undermined.

©2013 the Regents of the University of Minnesota (P)2019 Tantor

Shaker of Thunder!

Sounds like another white men lie, and another way to make genocidal genomic practices to fall under European Christian rhetoric. We all come from one man one woman. No! Think more about our music, ceremonies, traditions, languages, we are not connected in these ways. Like my grandfather always used to tell me, we have always been here. I’m going to have all my Indigenous friends read this book especially our young ones, because it is freaking awesome. Thank you Kim Tallbear! In my book, you are Shaker of Thunder! Good job!

Using this in class

I teach high school biology and am excited to share this text with my students. It’s an accessible resource rich with genetic information while raising important ethical questions. It will move students to think beyond scientific study and knowledge but to grapple with identity and impact.

Intelligent, thought provoking

Dr. Kim is a phenomenal scholar and definitely one to watch for Native American and First Nations audiences.

A good title to return to

The author takes the microscope and squarely places it on the organizations and structures that are used to being the studier for profit and not the studied. For those who want to be in inclusive relationship to diverse people and complex populations, the author highlights key points on history, consent, ownership, and privacy. I will be returning to this title again for reminders and to catch things I have missed.