Partnering with First Nations in Northern British Columbia Canada to Reduce Inequity in Access to Genomic Research

Indigenous-led, culturally safe health research and infrastructure are essential to address existing inequities and disparities for Indigenous Peoples globally. Biobanking, genomic research, and self-governance could reduce the existing divide and increase Indigenous participation in health research...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 20; no. 10; p. 5783
Main Authors:	Caron, Nadine R, Adam, Wilf, Anderson, Kate, Boswell, Brooke T, Chongo, Meck, Deineko, Viktor, Dick, Alexanne, Hall, Shannon E, Hatcher, Jessica T, Howard, Patricia, Hunt, Megan, Linn, Kevin, O'Neill, Ashling
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Switzerland MDPI AG 10-05-2023 MDPI
Subjects:	American Indian or Alaska Native Biobanks Biological Specimen Banks British Columbia Canada Canadian native peoples Colonialism Community involvement Delivery of Health Care Disease Genetic research Genomics Health care delivery Health Services, Indigenous Humans Indigenous peoples Innovations Inuit Medical research Native North Americans Population Precision medicine Socioeconomic factors Technological change Canada British Columbia British Columbia Canada trust partnership data sovereignty Indigenous consent community engagement First Nations qualitative genomics biobank capacity building cultural safety indigenous governance
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Summary:	Indigenous-led, culturally safe health research and infrastructure are essential to address existing inequities and disparities for Indigenous Peoples globally. Biobanking, genomic research, and self-governance could reduce the existing divide and increase Indigenous participation in health research. While genomic research advances medicine, barriers persist for Indigenous patients to benefit. In northern BC, Canada, the Northern Biobank Initiative (NBI), with guidance from a Northern First Nations Biobank Advisory Committee (NFNBAC), has engaged in consultations with First Nations on biobanking and genomic research. Key informant interviews and focus groups conducted with First Nations leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members established culturally safe ways of biobanking and exploring genomic research. Strong support for a Northern British Columbia First Nations Biobank (NBCFNB) that will promote choice, inclusion, and access to health research opportunities emerged. The acceptance and enthusiasm for the development of this NBCFNB and its governance table highlight the shift towards Indigenous ownership and support of health research and its benefits. With engagement and partnership, community awareness, multigenerational involvement, and support from diverse and experienced healthcare leaders, the NBCFNB will establish this culturally safe, locally driven, and critically important research priority that may serve as an example for diverse Indigenous groups when designing their unique biobanking or genomic research opportunities.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	1660-4601 1661-7827 1660-4601
DOI:	10.3390/ijerph20105783