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Named after a story about a deadly lie, The Leech and the Earthworm is a documentary film that explores western science, biotechnology and the commodification of indigenous peoples genetic property. The film was produced in 2003 by Yeast Directions and the Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism (IPCB).

For a little more background, here’s a review of the film by GRAIN, an international NGO that “promotes the sustainable management and use of agricultural biodiversity based on people’s control over genetic resources and local knowledge.”

In the mid-1980s, scientists from a Canadian university took blood samples from more than 800 people …

The Karitiana, a People indigenous to Brazil have recently discovered that blood and DNA collected from them in 1996–under the guise of a reasonable exchange of medicine which the never received–is being sold to scientists around the world for $85 a sample.

The Karitiana now want this stopped, and are demanding compensation for this violation and lack of integrity on part of the scientists.

From the New York Times - “We were duped, lied to and exploited,” Renato Karitiana, the leader of the tribal association, said …

The Pacific region has long been a favourite target of gene hunters, unethical bio-researchers and ‘patent bottom trawlers’ looking to profit from its unique flora, fauna - and human beings.

In the last few years, a number of disconcerting events have occurred in the Pacific Islands. Among them, T-Cells from the Hagahai Tribe in Papua New Guinea were illegally obtained against the will and traditions of the Hagahai - which can now be purchased on the internet for 216 Dollars.

Aswell, in 2002 Cook Islanders were almost subjects of an experiment to transplant pig parts into humans. The author of the article …

I found this a couple days ago. It is a very important and revealing essay about the reality of Indigenous People, particularly Indigenous Women - have faced and continue to face in Colonial North America.

Before reading any further, I feel obligated to warn you that this essay describes historical acts of torture, murder, rape, and other cruel and abhorrent acts perpetrated against indigenous Women.

Please tread lightly when reading this.

COLONIALISM AND GENDER VIOLENCE IN THE LIVES OF AMERICAN INDIAN WOMEN
from http://www.incite-national.org
Colonizers have long tried to crush the spirit of the Indian peoples and blunt their will to resist colonization. One …

I’ve been following the genographic project (off and on) for several months now - mainly because I was amazed by the opinions and perspectives of those who talk about it. Many speak of it like it’s the latest, greatest, coolest thing ever.

Most Indigenous People (on Turtle Island) though, are staunchly opposed to it.

I myself am of the same mind - I don’t support it at all, and the article and comments posted on the following website very deeply reaffirmed it for me. One line especially…

(my response to the article and comments posted on dienekes.blogspot.com )

People, this is …

The Genographic Project proposes to take over 100,000 blood samples and historical knowledge from Indigenous peoples around the world. It is a collaborative project of the National Geographic Society, IBM Corporation, and the Waitt Family Foundation (Gateway Computer funds).

Why Oppose the Genographic Project?
It is Exploitive, Unethical Research

They will take the blood or other bodily tissue samples for their own use, to further their own research on human history, with no potential benefits from that research for Indigenous peoples. The GP expects to get full informed …