Alexa Walker
I am currently the Project Coordinator for the Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage (IPinCH) Project. I received my MA titled "Ancient DNA Research in North America and Abroad: Challenges and Opportunities" from Simon Fraser University in 2015.
My research interests are varied and range from ancient DNA, paleopathology, and archaeological theory to a more general interest in how archaeology and our knowledge of the past is interpreted and presented to a modern audience.
In particular, my research seeks to examine the social, ethical, and political implications of ancient DNA analysis for stakeholders and descendant communities. Ancient DNA research is not only pushing us into uncharted technological territory but also into unprecedented ethical terrain. Ethical questions range from debates over the ownership of information arising from ancient DNA analysis, to the development of ethically sound consent procedures, not only for individuals, but also for communities who are involved in ancient DNA research. Working with communities to develop collaborative and respectful guidelines for ethical genetic research is a key area of interest.
Additionally, with a background in Archaeology and Health Sciences, I am also interested in learning how the health and disease status of ancient people may inform perspectives on the etiology and treatment of modern diseases.
For the past three years, I have worked with the Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project, also known as IPinCH. IPinCH is a seven-year international research initiative based at Simon Fraser University, in British Columbia, Canada. IPinCH explores the rights, values, and responsibilities of material culture, cultural knowledge and the practice of heritage research. I am currently the Research Assistant for the Bioarchaeology, Genetics, and Intellectual Property Working Group. To find out more about IPinCH, check out their website: http://www.sfu.ca/ipinch/
Supervisors: George Nicholas
My research interests are varied and range from ancient DNA, paleopathology, and archaeological theory to a more general interest in how archaeology and our knowledge of the past is interpreted and presented to a modern audience.
In particular, my research seeks to examine the social, ethical, and political implications of ancient DNA analysis for stakeholders and descendant communities. Ancient DNA research is not only pushing us into uncharted technological territory but also into unprecedented ethical terrain. Ethical questions range from debates over the ownership of information arising from ancient DNA analysis, to the development of ethically sound consent procedures, not only for individuals, but also for communities who are involved in ancient DNA research. Working with communities to develop collaborative and respectful guidelines for ethical genetic research is a key area of interest.
Additionally, with a background in Archaeology and Health Sciences, I am also interested in learning how the health and disease status of ancient people may inform perspectives on the etiology and treatment of modern diseases.
For the past three years, I have worked with the Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project, also known as IPinCH. IPinCH is a seven-year international research initiative based at Simon Fraser University, in British Columbia, Canada. IPinCH explores the rights, values, and responsibilities of material culture, cultural knowledge and the practice of heritage research. I am currently the Research Assistant for the Bioarchaeology, Genetics, and Intellectual Property Working Group. To find out more about IPinCH, check out their website: http://www.sfu.ca/ipinch/
Supervisors: George Nicholas
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"The IPinCH Project is an opportunity to look at issues relating to heritage - who benefits from it, who controls the process - in a way that really hasn't been done before at this scale. We have the opportunity to work with some of the most socially-committed people in the world."
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This essay provides an introduction to the field of aDNA, examines emerging ethical and practical challenges in its application, and explores why information from ancient DNA research is important and relevant to people today.
Recent Papers by Alexa Walker
Books by Alexa Walker
These pressing issues were at the heart of a public symposium and workshop held in Vancouver, British Columbia, in October 2015. The event, “DNA and Indigeneity: The Changing Role of Genetics in Indigenous Rights, Tribal Belonging, and Repatriation,” examined the ethical, legal, and scientific prospects and perils surrounding the use of genetic information to inform or substantiate claims of identity and cultural affiliation; and 2) discussed the real-world implications of genetic analysis in relation to Indigenous rights, tribal enrollment, and the repatriation of human remains. This volume shares the proceedings of the public symposium portion of the event.
"The IPinCH Project is an opportunity to look at issues relating to heritage - who benefits from it, who controls the process - in a way that really hasn't been done before at this scale. We have the opportunity to work with some of the most socially-committed people in the world."
This essay provides an introduction to the field of aDNA, examines emerging ethical and practical challenges in its application, and explores why information from ancient DNA research is important and relevant to people today.
These pressing issues were at the heart of a public symposium and workshop held in Vancouver, British Columbia, in October 2015. The event, “DNA and Indigeneity: The Changing Role of Genetics in Indigenous Rights, Tribal Belonging, and Repatriation,” examined the ethical, legal, and scientific prospects and perils surrounding the use of genetic information to inform or substantiate claims of identity and cultural affiliation; and 2) discussed the real-world implications of genetic analysis in relation to Indigenous rights, tribal enrollment, and the repatriation of human remains. This volume shares the proceedings of the public symposium portion of the event.