logo
Indigenous DNA in wastewater is vulnerable to exploitation, Guelph, Ont., researchers say

Indigenous DNA in wastewater is vulnerable to exploitation, Guelph, Ont., researchers say

CBC12-04-2025

Scientists collecting wastewater samples gain access to a variety of sensitive information.
At the University of Guelph in southern Ontario, researchers are working to protect that data.
Melissa Perreault is part of the research team focused on developing a policy to better protect Indigenous people from research exploitation, specifically through wastewater sampling.
"I want to start by saying how valuable wastewater research is ... but there are other things in wastewater besides [COVID-19]," Perreault told CBC News.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health departments used wastewater sampling to keep track of the spread of the virus across Canada.
The sensitive data found in wastewater — including human DNA and prescribed or illicit drugs — can also give researchers more information about the general health of the community.
"With Indigenous communities, this becomes a problem because they live in isolated communities for the most part.... There's a risk of exploitation of using that human DNA for things other than what the researchers originally intended to do," Perreault said.
She said consent can become complicated if researchers decide to hold on to DNA samples for a long time.
"Wastewater samples are community samples, so there are potentially hundreds [or] thousands of people who have contributed to that DNA in those samples. So the question becomes: 'Who gives consent for that?'" Perreault said.
"If it's community leaders, what happens if the community leaders change? Can one person in a community say no? These are all questions that add on to the complexity of wastewater samples."
The work is being funded through a two-year grant by Genome Canada. The non-profit group works to "use genomics-based technologies to improve the lives of Canadians," according to its website.
The two-year timeline to finish the work is a rough estimate and could change, Perreault said. Some of the preliminary efforts will focus on understanding which Indigenous communities they would like to work with and obtaining consent.
Lack of Indigenous DNA a challenge for researchers
Precision medicine refers to the use of genomic data to predict which drug will work best for each person.
But precision medicine cannot serve Indigenous Peoples if their reference data is missing, and an information gap for Indigenous groups exists around the world, including in Canada.
"Indigenous DNA is highly coveted by researchers," Perreault said.
"First Nations people mostly live on reserves, so they're very tight-knit communities, for the most part, more isolated than other communities for millennia.... The risk of exploitation of Indigenous Peoples by researchers is higher," she said.
The lack of representation of Indigenous genomes in large databases reflects a general wariness in that group caused, in part, by historical cases of genetic research gone wrong.
One study considered by leading geneticists as a game-changer involved the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island.
The Nuu-chah-nulth have a high frequency of rheumatoid arthritis. The research team collected DNA samples from approximately half of the First Nations members to study the genetic basis for the disorder.
The genetic determinants of rheumatoid arthritis weren't found, but that wasn't the big problem. Researchers sent the DNA samples to external facilities for genetic ancestry studies without the knowledge or consent of the participants.
Bridging the 'genomic divide': Lack of Indigenous DNA data a challenge for researchers
Nuu-chah-nulth want their blood back
Krystal Tsosie, a geneticist and bioethicist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, said the gathering of genetic samples and data from underrepresented populations, including Indigenous Peoples, is colonialism.
"If we really want to talk about justice and genomic justice, then we really have to talk about data equity, and also empowering data decisions from Indigenous communities like ours," she said.
Another case study: Arizona's Havasupai community
Perreault said there are several examples in recent history of Indigenous DNA being used in research without permission.
She said one of the most infamous case studies is of the Havasupai community in Arizona.
Between 1990 and 1994, researchers from Arizona State University went to that community to take blood samples to be used in a diabetes project, with the goal of determining how genetics play a role in Type 2 diabetes.
It was later discovered their biological samples were used to challenge the community's origin story and test the link between schizophrenia and inbreeding — terms not agreed to by the Havasupai.
The community sued Arizona State University on the grounds they did not consent to how their blood samples were used and it was a violation of medical confidentiality. The community settled out of court for $700,000.
"[The Havasupai community] is probably one of the more famous samples," Perreault said.
"But this is not something that is only happening historically. Exploitation of Indigenous communities is actually happening now."
An ethical guide to working with DNA
The First Nations Principles of OCAP (ownership, control, access and possession) gives researchers an ethical guide to working with First Nations that choose to share their data, including DNA.
The OCAP guideline says First Nations alone should have control over how their data is stored, interpreted, used or shared. Perreault and her team are hoping to use OCAP as a foundation to build their policy, which is specific to wastewater management.
Jonathan Dewar is CEO of the First Nations Information Governance Centre, which developed the OCAP principles. He said it's true that Indigenous Peoples are at a greater risk of research exploitation.
"The history is a legacy of abuse, a legacy of extractive research practices, taking from Indigenous communities, not compensating them, not citing them, erasing them," he said.
"Fast forward to 2025 and that hasn't changed.... We have a federal government that uses the language of nation-to-nation relationship. The imbalance between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, and their governments, is still very much the prevailing reality."
After the policy is developed, Perreault and her team will reach out to Dewar and the First Nations Information Governance Centre, as well as the University of Guelph's Research Ethics Board, to see if they can adopt it officially.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The transfer of TDSB's longest serving principal sparked protests + Ontario line is costing Metrolinx a pretty penny
The transfer of TDSB's longest serving principal sparked protests + Ontario line is costing Metrolinx a pretty penny

Toronto Star

timean hour ago

  • Toronto Star

The transfer of TDSB's longest serving principal sparked protests + Ontario line is costing Metrolinx a pretty penny

Good morning. This is the Thursday, June 12 edition of First Up, the Star's daily morning digest. Sign up to get it earlier each day, in your inbox. Here's the latest on the TDSB transferring its longest-serving principal, Metrolinx's massive land payou t and growing surgery wait times. Also, we're following developments on an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport this morning with 242 people on board. Here's what we know. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW DON'T MISS The TDSB's decision to transfer its longest serving principal is sparking protests Here's what the rumour mill is saying about Barrie Sketchley's departure from Rosedale Heights. TDSB seeks public feedback as it reviews controversial policy on specialized program admissions This Ontario Line property is going to cost Metrolinx big money A tribunal ruling sided with the land owners' appraisal. Here's how much Metrolinx has to pay. Metrolinx forced him out of his $1,400-a-month home to make way for a new Ontario Line station. Now his rent has almost doubled — and he won't be the only one, the city warns Canadians are facing growing wait times for 'priority' surgeries Despite clearing the COVID backlog, wait times have spiked. Take a look at the data. I paid $1,500 for an MRI and got an appointment in days. But such scans aren't always good for patients — or our health care system WHAT ELSE On Tuesday, federal industry minister Melanie Joly pointed to the domestic auto industry as a potential key part of Ottawa's commitment to reach its exanded defence spending goals. Spencer Colby/ The Canadian Press file photo Could Mark Carney's military plans save Canada's auto industry? Here's what you need to know. Here's how Carney hopes to smooth over his differences with Trump at the G7 summit. Canada set a record for the number of refugee claims received last year. This is what the UN report said. Don't believe players' cooked-up story, the Crown said in their closing arguments at the Hockey Canada trial. Vaughan stopped photo radar after a deluge of speeding tickets. These are the next steps. Over 80 per cent of Toronto-area condos are now selling for under asking. Here's why. Edward Keenan: Are police officers in our schools part of the solution? Here's how they could be. A proposed class action alleges Uber eats customers faced hidden service fees. Here's more. Kendrick Lamar is performing in Toronto for the first time since his feud with Drake ignited. Here's everything you need to know. Canadian authors and fans say these 18 summer reads should top your TBR pile. Check out the list here. POV As climate induced hell-fires rage across the country, Canada looks to build pipelines. CLOSE UP Workers have put a protective coating on the statue of Sir John A. Macdonald along with a plaque acknowledging his controversial role in creating residential schools. Richard Lautens/ Toronto Star QUEEN'S PARK: Sir John A. Macdonald is out in public once again. The likeness of Canada's first prime minister, which gazes south down University Avenue, was boarded up five years ago following repeated acts of vandalism over his role in creating residential schools. Take a closer look at the controversy around the statue. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@ I will see you back here tomorrow. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Media Advisory - Showcase and results announcement of SSHRC Storytellers Challenge to take place in Fredericton New Brunswick at Canada's largest science communications conference.
Media Advisory - Showcase and results announcement of SSHRC Storytellers Challenge to take place in Fredericton New Brunswick at Canada's largest science communications conference.

Cision Canada

time2 hours ago

  • Cision Canada

Media Advisory - Showcase and results announcement of SSHRC Storytellers Challenge to take place in Fredericton New Brunswick at Canada's largest science communications conference.

FREDERICTON, NB, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Join the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) at the University of New Brunswick, during the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference, for the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge showcase. In this annual competition, now in its 12th year, SSHRC challenges postsecondary students to show Canadians, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how social sciences and humanities research is affecting our lives, our world and our future for the better. Before a panel of judges, 20 finalists will present their inspiring stories and demonstrate how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in our world. On Friday, June 13, SSHRC's Vice-President of Stakeholder Engagement and Advancement of Society, Tara Lapointe, will announce the winners, chosen from a pool of 161 submissions from students across Canada, at the Storytellers showcase. Members of the media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance in advance by emailing [email protected]. Contacts: SOURCE Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC)

RADIATION SAFETY INSTITUTE OF CANADA HOSTS SAFETY PARTNER AWARENESS BREAKFAST TO MARK MILESTONE 45TH ANNIVERSARY
RADIATION SAFETY INSTITUTE OF CANADA HOSTS SAFETY PARTNER AWARENESS BREAKFAST TO MARK MILESTONE 45TH ANNIVERSARY

Cision Canada

time2 hours ago

  • Cision Canada

RADIATION SAFETY INSTITUTE OF CANADA HOSTS SAFETY PARTNER AWARENESS BREAKFAST TO MARK MILESTONE 45TH ANNIVERSARY

Radiation Safety Institute of Canada to host annual Radiation Safety Partner Awareness Breakfast The Institute was founded in 1980 as a response to Ontario's Elliot Lake disaster The Institute is a unique organization in Canada; it is the only independent-of-industry and government not-for-profit body solely dedicated to radiation safety TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - 2025 marks the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada 's 45th anniversary. The Institute is an independent, national organization dedicated to radiation safety. For over four decades, the Institute has served Canadians as a trusted national voice of scientific integrity, providing "Good Science in Plain Language"® answers to complex radiation-related issues. To mark the 45th anniversary, the Institute will host its annual Radiation Safety Partner Awareness Breakfast. This event will be held tomorrow on Friday, June 13, at 9:00 AM at Hart House on the University of Toronto 's St. George Campus. The breakfast reception will bring together key partners of the Institute from the province of Ontario and beyond. Note the in-person event is sold out but online registrants are still welcome. Click here to register as an online participant. Event details as follows: Guest of honour is Dr. Joel Moody, Ontario Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) and Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Keynote speaker is Dr. Tanja Perko, Senior Researcher, Scientific Project Leader and Professor at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) and at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. The meeting will introduce topics relevant to health and safety in every industry. With the help of Dr Tanja Perko, our keynote speaker, we shall explore the topic of risk communications and risk perception and as it relates to the safety conversation at large, new technologies and radiation safety, in particular. In the world of rapidly changing technologies, from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to hand-held X-Ray machines, the organization is steadfast in its commitment to provide Canadian workplaces, schools, and communities with independent radiation safety guidance based on quality scientific information and best practices. The Institute was founded in 1980 as a direct, independent response to the human disaster in the Elliot Lake uranium mines, where healthy miners had been exposed to excessive amounts of radon gas and radon progeny in the underground mining environment. Key quote: "The Radiation Safety Institute of Canada was established to ensure that a radiation disaster like or such as Elliot Lake mines never happens again. Back in the 1980s, the Institute's mission was to save lives, and we carry that proud legacy today. 45 years later, the Institute continues to honor its beginnings and serve uranium miners while providing a broad range of services to almost every industrial and societal sector in Canada." – Natalia Mozayani, President and CEO, Radiation Safety Institute of Canada.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store