Indigenous Peoples Resources

Mitochondrial And Y-chromosome Diversity Of The Tharus (Nepal): A Reservoir Of Genetic Variation

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Mitochondrial And Y-chromosome Diversity Of The Tharus (Nepal): A Reservoir Of Genetic Variation

Fornarino S, Pala M, Battaglia V, Maranta R, Achilli A, Modiano G, Torroni A, Semino O, Santachiara-Benerecetti SA, 2009

BACKGROUND: Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent represent an area considered as a source and a reservoir for human genetic diversity, with many markers taking root here, most of which are the ancestral state of eastern and western haplogroups, while others are local. Between these two regions, Terai (Nepal) is a pivotal passageway allowing, in different times, multiple population interactions, although because of its highly malarial environment, it was scarcely inhabited until a few decades ago, when malaria was eradicated. One of the oldest and the largest indigenous people of Terai is represented by the malaria resistant Tharus, whose gene pool could still retain traces of ancient complex interactions. Until now, however, investigations on their genetic structure have been scarce mainly identifying East Asian signatures. RESULTS: High-resolution analyses of mitochondrial-DNA (including 34 complete sequences) and Y-chromosome (67 SNPs and 12 STRs) variations carried out in 173 Tharus (two groups from Central and one from Eastern Terai), and 104 Indians (Hindus from Terai and New Delhi and tribals from Andhra Pradesh) allowed the identification of three principal components: East Asian, West Eurasian and Indian, the last including both local and inter-regional sub-components, at least for the Y chromosome. CONCLUSIONS: Although remarkable quantitative and qualitative differences appear among the various population groups and also between sexes within the same group, many mitochondrial-DNA and Y-chromosome lineages are shared or derived from ancient Indian haplogroups, thus revealing a deep shared ancestry between Tharus and Indians. Interestingly, the local Y-chromosome Indian component observed in the Andhra-Pradesh tribals is present in all Tharu groups, whereas the inter-regional component strongly prevails in the two Hindu samples and other Nepalese populations. The complete sequencing of mtDNAs from unresolved haplogroups also provided informative markers that greatly improved the mtDNA phylogeny and allowed the identification of ancient relationships between Tharus and Malaysia, the Andaman Islands and Japan as well as between India and North and East Africa. Overall, this study gives a paradigmatic example of the importance of genetic isolates in revealing variants not easily detectable in the general population.

BMC Evolutionary Biology; 9(1):154

{mosmap lat='27.66042'|lon='84.373627'|text='Terai Region, Nepal: Mitochondrial and Y-chromosome diversity of the Tharus'}

A Rare Null Allele Potentially Encoding A Dominant-Negative TRIM5alpha Protein In Baka Pygmies

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:23:00 +0000

A Rare Null Allele Potentially Encoding A Dominant-Negative TRIM5alpha Protein In Baka Pygmies

Judith N Torimiro, Hassan Javanbakht, Felipe Diaz-Griffero, Jonghwa Kim, Jean K Carr, Mary Carrington, Julie Sawitzke, Donald S Burke, Nathan D Wolfe, Michael Dean, and Joseph Sodroski, 2009

The global acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic is thought to have arisen by the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-like viruses from chimpanzees in southeastern Cameroon to humans. TRIM5alpha is a restriction factor that can decrease the susceptibility of cells of particular mammalian species to retrovirus infection. A survey of TRIM5 genes in 127 indigenous individuals from southeastern Cameroon revealed that approximately 4% of the Baka pygmies studied were heterozygous for a rare variant with a stop codon in exon 8. The predicted product of this allele, TRIM5 R332X, is truncated in the functionally important B30.2(SPRY) domain, does not restrict retrovirus infection, and acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of wild-type human TRIM5alpha. Thus, some indigenous African forest dwellers potentially exhibit diminished TRIM5alpha function; such genetic factors, along with the high frequency of exposure to chimpanzee body fluids, may have predisposed to the initial cross-species transmission of HIV-1-like viruses.

Virology; PMID: 19577266

The Interface Between Cultural Understandings: Negotiating New Spaces For Pacific Mental Health

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:09:00 +0000

The Interface Between Cultural Understandings: Negotiating New Spaces For Pacific Mental Health

Mila-Schaaf K, Hudson M, 2009

This theoretical paper introduces the concept of the "negotiated space", a model developed by Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Maui Hudson and colleagues describing the interface between different worldviews and knowledge systems. This is primarily a conceptual space of intersection in-between different ways of knowing and meaning making, such as, the i Pacific indigenous reference and the dominant Western mental health paradigm of the bio-psycho-social. When developing Pacific models of care, the "negotiated space" provides room to explore the relationship between different (and often conflicting) cultural understandings of mental health and illness. The "negotiated space" is a place ofp urposive re-encounter reconstructing and re-balancing of ideas and values in complementary realignments that have resonance for Pacific peoples living in Western oriented societies. This requires making explicit the competing epistemologies of the Pacific indigenous worldviews and references alongside the bio-psycho-social and identifying the assumptions implicit in the operating logic ofe ach. This is a precursor to being empowered to negotiate, resolve and better comprehend the cultural conflict between the different understandings. This article theorises multiple patterns of possibility of resolutions and relationships within the negotiated space relevant to research, evaluation, model, service development and quality assurance within Pacific mental health.

Pacific Health Dialogue; 15(1):113-9

Indigenous Health Part 1: Determinants And Disease Patterns

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Indigenous Health Part 1: Determinants And Disease Patterns

Gracey M, King M, 2009

The world's almost 400 million Indigenous people have low standards of health. This poor health is associated with poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, poor hygiene, environmental contamination, and prevalent infections. Inadequate clinical care and health promotion, and poor disease prevention services aggravate this situation. Some Indigenous groups, as they move from traditional to transitional and modern lifestyles, are rapidly acquiring lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, and physical, social, and mental disorders linked to misuse of alcohol and of other drugs. Correction of these inequities needs increased awareness, political commitment, and recognition rather than governmental denial and neglect of these serious and complex problems. Indigenous people should be encouraged, trained, and enabled to become increasingly involved in overcoming these challenges.

Lancet; 374(9683):65-75

Indigenous Health Part 2: The Underlying Causes Of The Health Gap

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Indigenous Health Part 2: The Underlying Causes Of The Health Gap

King M, Smith A, Gracey M, 2009

In this Review we delve into the underlying causes of health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and provide an Indigenous perspective to understanding these inequalities. We are able to present only a snapshot of the many research publications about Indigenous health. Our aim is to provide clinicians with a framework to better understand such matters. Applying this lens, placed in context for each patient, will promote more culturally appropriate ways to interact with, to assess, and to treat Indigenous peoples. The topics covered include Indigenous notions of health and identity; mental health and addictions; urbanisation and environmental stresses; whole health and healing; and reconciliation.

Lancet; 374(9683):76-85

Exploring Breast Cancer Risk Factors In Kaingáng Women In The Faxinal Indigenous Territory, ...

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Exploring Breast Cancer Risk Factors In Kaingáng Women In The Faxinal Indigenous Territory, Paraná State, Brazil, 2008

da Silva EP, Pelloso SM, Carvalho MD, Toledo MJ, 2009

This study analyzes the health of Kaingáng women in the Faxinal indigenous territory in Paraná State, Brazil, with regard to risk factors for breast cancer. A descriptive and exploratory investigation was undertaken that included 95.4% of females 20 years or over. Data showed that 92.3% of Kaingáng women reported breastfeeding for more than one year; 41.4% had more than 5 children; mean age at menarche was 13.4 years; 61.5% had never heard of breast cancer; breast self-examination was only performed by 2.9%; 81.7% reported no clinical breast examination by a physician; 99% had never had a mammogram. No cases of breast or non-breast cancer were reported. The study highlights protective factors against carcinogenesis and the absence of key risk factors like hormone replacement therapy for more than five years and alcohol consumption in most Kaingáng women.

Cadernos de Saude Publica; 25(7):1493-500

{mosmap lat='-23.998172'|lon='-51.322289'|text='Faxinal, Brazil: Kaingang Indigenous Women and Breast Cancer Risk Factors'}

Rethinking The Systems Of Care Definition: An Indigenous Perspective

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Rethinking The Systems Of Care Definition: An Indigenous Perspective

Terry Cross, Jami Bartgis, and Kathleen Fox, 2009

This paper will describe systems of care as a cultural phenomenon by highlighting western versus indigenous models of thinking. Inherent within the system of care definition are biases and assumptions that result in a highly linear and culturally bound process for understanding a "reality" that is not necessarily shared by all. Overarching concerns include value-laden language, the development of the systems of care principles, and the conceptualization of the changing definitions over time. Within the definition of systems of care presented, there are biases and embedded assumptions that continue to cause disparities in health for culturally diverse communities. The paper will examine these cultural biases and assumptions and their link to access, availability, and acceptability of services.

Evaluation and Program Planning, PMID: 19577298

Three More Northern Communities To Begin Receiving Natural Gas This Year From SaskEnergy

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Three More Northern Communities To Begin Receiving Natural Gas This Year From SaskEnergy

SaskEnergy continues to make substantial progress extending natural gas service to Highway #2 communities north of Waskesieu. New natural gas customers were connected in Weyakwin and Ramsey Bay last fall, the first communities to be served under SaskEnergy’s northern pipeline project. The Town of Air Ronge, portions of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and some businesses in La Ronge will begin receiving gas service this fall, allowing customers to make equipment conversions in time for the winter heating season.

{mosmap lat='55.11363'|lon='-105.294514'|text='La Ronge, Saskatchewan: One of three First Nation communities to begin receiving natural gas service'}

“The extension of natural gas service to these additional northern communities was made possible by the completion of 150 kilometres of high pressure transmission pipeline from Montreal Lake to La Ronge - work through some of the most challenging terrain our crews have ever encountered,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy. “This project reflects our government’s commitment to ensure that the North has improved access to Saskatchewan’s energy resources to secure continued economic growth.”

More than 850 residential, business and institutional customers have committed to natural gas service in the region. Service to residential areas in the communities of La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band will continue over the next several years. Homeowners and businesses can still sign up for SaskEnergy service by calling toll free at 1-877-664-8324 or receive more information online at www.saskenergy.com.

“Natural gas is going to make a real difference in our community,” Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band Tammy Cook-Searson said. “Not only will natural gas benefit the environment, it will allow our businesses to compete and expand, as well as provide a safe and economical fuel source for our residents.”

Now that natural gas pipelines have been installed throughout the La Ronge area, in order to maintain the safety and reliability of the system, any home owner or business planning a project that involves excavation are reminded to call Sask 1st Call, toll free at 1-866-828-4888 before digging. The service is free, as Sask 1st Call will notify any member company with buried infrastructure, including SaskEnergy, to come out and mark lines with just two days notice.

For further information, please call:

Dave Burdeniuk

Manager, Communications,

SaskEnergy

Phone: (306) 777-9842 Cell: (306) 535-6569

Email: dburdeniuk@saskenergy.com.

Biomapping Or Biocolonizing?: Indigenous Identities And Scientific Research In The 21st Century

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Biomapping Or Biocolonizing?: Indigenous Identities And Scientific Research In The 21st Century

Universite de Savoie (Chambéry) France Laboratoire LLS - Cluster 14

January 28-30, 2010

Though, from a positivist point of view, scientific research represents the cornerstone of progress, it is undeniable that such research has often been used to support a particular policy or ideology. For example, during the colonization of the United States, Canada, Australia and New-Zealand, physical anthropology (and in particular craniometry) was used to show the inferiority of indigenous peoples and, thereby, justify their domination or annihilation. For this reason, and also for many others, indigenous peoples have looked on such research with suspicion, if not outright hostility.

These reactions are still in evidence today as new scientific studies are focusing once again on indigenous peoples. In the field of genetics, decoding human DNA has made it possible to look at group-specific variations around the globe. While the first projects were centered on mainstream populations of European origins, Luca Cavalli-Sforza’s call for a multiethnic approach focusing on “human diversity” and on “clues to the evolution of our species” (Genomics, Volume 11, Issue 2, October 1991) opened up the study to non-mainstream groups, and especially indigenous peoples. While scientists were debating the origins of the Australian Aborigines, the Amerindians, or the Maoris (among others), indigenous peoples gathered in the International Working Group on Indigenous Populations (WGIP) under the auspices of the United Nations in order to try to protect their rights. This led to the drafting of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which, interestingly enough, the aforementioned countries strongly opposed (though Australia has recently indicated its support for the Declaration).

Today many research groups and institutions have understood that testing indigenous peoples to trace the migrations of their ancestors, for example, could generate fierce opposition among those who may feel, once more, objectified. Thus, they have set up ethics committees to deal with such issues, and have placed greater emphasis on the necessity for dialogue with the communities that are the focus of such studies. However, while subsequent projects (such as Project Genographic) have taken pains to explain that they had no part in government policies, would keep the data confidential, and would not use the DNA for commercial purposes, many indigenous groups still refuse to be tested.

The present conference seeks to explore the reaction of indigenous peoples to recent scientific research such as the Human Genome Diversity Project or more specific studies on indigenous populations. Papers may focus on case studies – groups, nations or tribes who agree or refuse to provide samples of their DNA for testing, for example. They may also look at opposition to scientific research from several angles: the clash between supposedly “hard” science and belief systems opposed to research on the human body, the often unspoken fear that genetic testing might uncover mixed origins and thus lead to the loss of identification as an indigenous person or group, the refusal of genetic determinism, the belief that identity goes beyond the merely scientific fact of DNA and is not to be questioned by outsiders – whether scientists or politicians – or the use of scientific knowledge for the purpose of subjugation or domination throughout modern history. Finally, they may inquire into the relationship between scientific or institutional bodies themselves and the indigenous populations being studied in order to determine how dialogue is established, impaired or even severed.

Conference language will be English

Selected contributions will be considered for rewriting as book chapters

Contact:

Susanne Berthier (University of Savoie, France)

susanne.berthier@univ-savoie.fr

Sandrine Tolazzi (University of Grenoble, France) sandrine.tolazzi@u-grenoble3.fr

Sheila Whittick (University of Grenoble, France)

sheila.whittick@u-grenoble3.fr

Please send a 250-word abstract to the organizers.

Deadline for proposals: October 1, 2009.

Acceptations will be sent October 15, 2009

Papers must not take longer than 20 minutes.

Susanne Berthier-Foglar

Université de Savoie

Domaine Universitaire de Jacob-Bellecombette

BP 1104 73011

CHAMBERY France

Email: susanne.berthier@univ-savoie.fr

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Meeting the Millennium Development Goals: Old Problems, New Challenges

IndigenousPeoplesAdmin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Meeting the Millennium Development Goals: Old Problems, New Challenges

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a United Nations partnership initiative to eradicate extreme poverty and other forms of disadvantage and human crises by 2015.

This conference, hosted by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) & Institute for Human Security, La Trobe University, will take place from 30.11 - 1.12 2009 in Melbourne and will look at what needs to be done to ensure we do not lose momentum as we near the mid-point of the MDGs. The key concepts of learning, innovation and partnerships will shape this conference; new ideas, success stories, challenges and solutions are invited. An important feature of this conference is that it brings together a wide range of stakeholders, such as community representatives, academics, professionals from inside and outside the traditional development field, the corporate sector and indeed many others who may ordinarily not think of themselves as concerned with development to make change happen.

Dr. Sue Chaplin

Institute for Human Security

La Trobe University

Melbourne 3086, Australia

Phone: + 61 3 9479 1703

Fax: + 61 3 9479 1997

Email: s.chaplin@latrobe.edu.au

Visit the website at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/humansecurity/mdgconference.html

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