ABSTRACT
The Aotearoa Genomic Data Repository (AGDR) is an initiative to provide a secure within-nation option for the storage, management and sharing of non-human genomic data generated from biological and environmental samples originating in Aotearoa New Zealand. This resource has been developed to follow the principles of Maori Data Sovereignty, and to enable the right of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), so that iwi, hapu and whanau (tribes, kinship groups and families) can effectively exercise their responsibilities as guardians over biological entities that they regard as taonga (precious or treasured). While the repository is designed to facilitate the sharing of data-making it findable by researchers and interoperable with data held in other genomic repositories-the decision-making process regarding who can access the data is entirely in the hands of those holding kaitiakitanga over each data set. No data are made available to the requesting researcher until the request has been approved, and the conditions for access (which can vary by data set) have been agreed to. Here we describe the development of the AGDR, from both a cultural perspective, and a technical one, and outline the processes that underpin its operation.
ABSTRACT
Addressing Indigenous rights and interests in genetic resources has become increasingly challenging in an open science environment that promotes unrestricted access to genomic data. Although Indigenous experiences with genetic research have been shaped by a series of negative interactions, there is increasing recognition that equitable benefits can only be realized through greater participation of Indigenous communities. Issues of trust, accountability and equity underpin Indigenous critiques of genetic research and the sharing of genomic data. This Perspectives article highlights identified issues for Indigenous communities around the sharing of genomic data and suggests principles and actions that genomic researchers can adopt to recognize community rights and interests in data.
