Resolution No.__________
RESOLUTION OF THE
(insert name of tribal council)
>A RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE HUMAN GENOME DIVERSITY PROJECT AND CONDEMNING
UNETHICAL GENETIC RESEARCH ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TRIBAL COUNCIL OF THE (insert name of tribal
council) THAT; scientific research and genetic exploitation of
indigenous peoples represents the greatest threat to American Indians since the
European colonization of the Americas, and
WHEREAS, the Tribal Council has the authorities and duty to protect
the health, security and general welfare of the (insert tribe name); and
WHEREAS, the (insert tribe name) support the Indigenous Peoples
Coalition on Biopiracy in their efforts to stop genetic piracy and human rights
violations against indigenous peoples throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, we declare absolute opposition to the Human Genome Diversity
Project or other studies that violate the genetic integrity of indigenous
peoples, and demand the immediate suspension of any activities to collect
genetic samples, cell lines, or data of indigenous peoples, including our
deceased ancestors; and
WHEREAS, we demand the fullest cooperation of any government agency
or independent research institute for the return of all genetic materials, cell
lines, and data they may have in their possession to the appropriate governing
authorities of Tribal Governments; and
WHEREAS, we oppose any attempt to monopolize or commercialize the
genetic samples, cell lines, or data derived from the cell lines of indigenous
peoples, through the application of intellectual property law and patent
systems; and
WHEREAS, we demand the international scientific community condemn any
research that has been carried out contrary to recognized human values and
moral principles, and that violates the international codes of ethics described
in the Nuremberg Code and the World Medical Association Declaration of
Helsinki; and
WHEREAS, federal law recognizes Tribal Governments as sovereigns with
the primary authority to deny access to, refuse to participate in, or to
authorize any removal of genetic materials from our peoples and our lands. The
ethical principle of "individual informed consent" is also
applicable, and is secondary to Tribal Governmental consent; and
WHEREAS, we demand that scientific endeavors be prioritized and
resources allocated to support and improve social, economic and environmental
conditions of indigenous peoples in their homelands, thereby, directly
improving health conditions and raising the overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge the report by the Committee on Human Genome
Diversity of the National Research Council dated October 30, 1997, which denies
federal endorsement of the Human Genome Diversity Project for it's "lack
of a sharply defined proposal that it could evaluate."
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE (insert tribe name) THAT,
we demand that the United States Government and any private sector
organizations cease participation, funding and other types of assistance to the
Human Genome Diversity Project, or any related research projects which seek to
research the genome of indigenous peoples; and finally
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, we demand an immediate moratorium on
collections and/or patenting of genetic materials from indigenous peoples and
their resources by any scientific project, health organization, government,
independent agency, or individual researcher.
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
The foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the Tribal Council of the
(insert tribe name) on the (date), with a vote of ___ for, ___ opposed, and ___
not voting, pursuant to the authority vested in it by Article ___, Section ___
, of the Tribal Constitution and Bylaws; said Constitution adopted and approved
under Section 16 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984), as amended.
Signed,
Chairman of the Tribal Council
Attest:
Executive Secretary Related Topics:
>> Key Points for a Resolution
Opposing the Human Genome Project and Genetic Research on Indigenous
Peoples
>> Summary of Indigenous Opposition to
the Human Genome Diversity Project
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