Genetic Classification of Race
A Lack of Class
by Nokwisa Yona
April/May 2001
(This is a third in a series of articles dealing with Vermont bill H. 809 and
DNA testing as a whole in relation to First People)
Inroad to Racism
When word of a Vermont state legislator’s proposal (H.809) to DNA classify potentates for Native recognition hit the Internet a while back, there was a flurry of comment, both pro and con. The majority of the pro commentary related to having “at last” some means of proving their previously undocumentable bloodlines. The con ranged from concerns about threats to sovereignty to disgust at providing pedigrees.
The sponsor of the bill, Representative Fred Maslack (R), assured that the bill was intended as an “alternative” means and was meant in the spirit of good will. “I just want to help the Indian people.”
Hmm. I’m reminded of a quote from Mein Kampf:
- “The function of propaganda is, for example, not to weigh and ponder the rights of different people, but exclusively to emphasize the one right which it has set out to argue for. Its task is not to make an objective study of the truth, in so far as it favors the enemy, and then set it before the masses with academic fairness; its task is to serve our own right, always and unflinchingly.” – Adolf Hitler
Apparently, Maslack’s intentions were not quite as originally implied. Was it just propaganda? Native American individuals would be wise to consider the Representative’s more recent comment on his work:
- “It would seem that there are alot (sic) of genetically european wannabees that are not happy with the prospect of being found out. DNA is likely to be the standard for federal recognition in the near future. The only people that need to fear this are those who aren’t what they say they are. There is an old saying “He who excuses himself, accuses himself”. The truth will prevail. Nobody HAS to do anything but,….we aren’t the ones looking for special privileges under the law.” – Vermont State Representative Maslack in response to comments on his proposal, H.809.
An emotional response? Too many contradictory emails from the opposition? An attempt to turn the table from logical argument to reactionism in the camps of those opposed to treaties or publicly funded minority programs?
From a measure that Maslack would have had us believe was aimed at providing an easy and totally authoritative though suspect method of identity, we now see that the Maslack measure quite realistically can and could be aimed more at exclusion and reduction of the potential and rightful compensations to indigenous members; monetary, program and treaty rights.
So much for good intent!
This sign up, have your blood drawn and be Indian facade harbors a measure of the reality that DNA “racial” typing might offer; an added means in the on-going attack by government and politicians in regards to the inherent rights and treaty obligations; a threat to existing programs and funding that are due the First Nations based on the extortion of land and human rights.
It is apparently, based on Maslack’s comment, about money…..and in turn, about greed and racism:
- “Racism as defined in Article 1(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: “Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms; in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
What racial or cultural/ethnic group other than American indigenous must prove their ethnicity and have the determination effect their “rights” under the law? Many minorities receive benefits without such “proof.” There are established methods and guidelines within the Nations and in conjunction with federal law already.
The text of Vermont bill, H.809 when coupled with its originator’s perspective could quite clearly be interpreted as trouble, not a blessing, for Vermont’s First People.
Sovereignty
Genetic definition quite possibly could breach the small measure of sovereignty currently the Nations, not only in regards to self-identity but in the effects of that identity. Migration research using DNA studies have potential to affect our oral histories and creation beliefs.
Debra Harry, Indigenous Peoples Council on Biocolonialism noted in regards to the Human Genome Diversity Project, “HGD Project scientists claim to be searching for answers to questions about human evolution. However, Indigenous peoples already possess strong beliefs and knowledge regarding their creation and histories; furthermore, this is not a priority concern for Indigenous people. The HGD Project’s assumptions that the origins and/or migrations of Indigenous populations will be “discovered” and scientifically “answered” is insulting to groups who already have strong beliefs regarding their origins. What will be the impact of a scientific theory of evolution and migration that is antithetical to an Indigenous group’s common beliefs? Will these new theories be used to challenge aboriginal territorial claims, or rights to land?” 1
Maslackian attitudes and legislation could fuel such challenges.
After the first segment of this series, which originally ran at IMDiversity.com, a reader found the “potential” for trouble lacking in the proposal for H.809. They encouraged us to take the measure at face value and without negative connotation.
Were the proposal based on sound science that could safely and effectively provide all or any person of Native American descent both this generic Indian identity as well as connection tribally, there would be less concern with regard to the definition. But, this is not the case. Familial lines can be established with a viable database of one’s relations but there is currently no test that can unequivocably guarantee one’s native DNA definition, no matter how Indian one might be.
No database currently exists that can unfailingly provide any degree or measure to any or all First Nation’s people generically or tribally specific that unilaterally and unfailingly validates their Indianess. While there are some relatively complete databases for tribes working with various genetic investigators, it is the rarity vice the norm. Familial linkages already databased can be validated but beyond that such is a crapshoot. The representative has not addressed that fact or the lack of capability to recognize a person’s tribal affiliation in this manner of state recognition. What is a person without tribal connection or even the ability to identify one’s nation? And what offering is the State of Vermont anticipating offering to such genericized individuals outside of a piece of paper that certifies state recognition?
And there are still the multitude of other concerns in regards to DNA testing and analysis as addressed previously; privacy, ownership, insurability considerations, employment issues and more.
Maslack claims that this will be the new ruler for identity on a federal level, again while assuring us his intent is “strictly voluntary” participation. Though recent changes or proposals in the BIA degree of blood determination are brewing, no such proposal exists in relation to classification of indigenous by DNA. 2 There are no rumblings either (yet) of proposals to allow or validate the scientific identity of a person’s cultural connection by federal legislators. Even without issues relating to maternal versus paternal identifiers, blood quantum would go out the window, as would cultural connections – and any sense of ethics.
The Vermont proposal not only lacks substance, it lacks logic and science. More importantly, it smacks of racism when accompanied by the author’s own remarks.
Barry Mehler, in his work, “In Genes We Trust: When Science Bows notes, “The mapping of the human genetic code, is reductionism at its most extreme.” He goes on to caution that the code will not lead the masses into the anticipated enlightenment, seemingly being offered; either the meaning of life” or “answers to the social and political issues facing the world.”
Mehler than reminds us of comment from Dr. Ruth Hubbard, “The myth of the all-powerful gene,” she says, “is based on flawed science” and “it can lead to genetic discrimination….”
Mehler concludes, “In other words, we must beware of scientists who wish to play God. ” 3
Or politicians, perhaps.
References
2. A proposed rule that establishes the documentation requirements and standards for filing, processing, and issuing a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB). See 65 FR 20775-20787 (April 18, 2000)
3. Barry Mehler, “In Genes We Trust: When Science Bows to Racism,” cover feature in Reform Judaism (Winter 1994) pp. 10-14; 77-79.
To Part One – DNA Testing, Vermont H. 809, and the First Nations
To Part Two – DNA Validity and Capability in Ethnic Identification
Nokwisa Yona, a long-time contributing editor at the Native American Village and author of the Biweekly News Analysis, is a member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. She is a published poet and frequent freelance writer on issues of concern to First People.
Copyright © 2001 Nokwisa Yona and The Multiracial Activist. All rights reserved.