|
The viewpoint of Indigenous people is seldom heard in discussions about patenting of genetic material. Here's a glimpse from a document submitted by the International Indian Treaty Council in April 1999 for an issue of UN Chronicle, the United Nations' quarterly magazine... "In numerous Declarations and resolutions throughout the world in recent years, thousands of Indigenous Peoples, Non-Governmental organizations, coalitions, tribal groups and community representatives have consistently expressed opposition to the growing trend of patenting and commodifying medicinal and food plants used traditionally by Indigenous Peoples as well as the genetic heritage of animals and humans by multi-national corporations, scientists and government institutions. Indigenous Peoples traditionally maintain that the spiritual, physical and cultural well-being of human beings is dependent upon sustaining a harmonious relationship with the living, sacred Natural world -- a relationship which the Creator has given Indigenous Peoples the responsibility to safeguard and protect. The basic components of life, in the traditional Indigenous world view, have their own spirits and rights of existence. They cannot be sold, altered or manipulated without grave potential consequences to the essence of that life form and, in turn, to all life forms within its ecosystem and beyond. This perspective underlies the position taken on the issue of "Intellectual Property" by many Indigenous Peoples, which is especially adamant as it applies to the biotechnology industry's growing practice of patenting life forms..." Read the article here on the International Indian Treaty Council website. |
