Episode 105: Who Owns Our DNA? W/ Joseph Yracheta! Pt. 2

What happens when Indigenous DNA becomes the next frontier of resource extraction? In part two of this episode of Tales from Aztlantis, Kurly Tlapoyawa and Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl are joined once again by Joe Yracheta, an Amerindigenous scientist of Purépecha and Rarámuri heritage and a leader with the Native BioData Consortium. Together, they explore one of the most pressing—and least discussed—issues facing Indigenous communities today: the fight for Indigenous data sovereignty.

Joe explains how genetic information, biological samples, medicinal plants, and even traditional agricultural knowledge have become valuable commodities in the global biotechnology economy. The conversation traces the long history of colonial extraction from Indigenous peoples, showing how today's race to collect biodata follows the same patterns that once drove the exploitation of land, labor, and natural resources.

The discussion examines how universities, pharmaceutical companies, and governments collect and use Indigenous genetic data, often under the promise of improving public health, only for that information to later be commercialized or repurposed without meaningful community consent. Joe shares examples involving the Havasupai Tribe, the Amish, and Indigenous communities throughout the Americas, illustrating how existing legal and ethical frameworks frequently fail to protect Indigenous rights.

Kurly and Ruben also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence, open-data policies, and scientific publishing in accelerating these challenges. They discuss why Indigenous communities are demanding greater control over their own biological resources, why "informed consent" is often insufficient, and how Indigenous-led institutions like the Native BioData Consortium are working to safeguard tribal data within Indigenous legal jurisdictions.

The conversation broadens into larger questions about scientific ethics, profit-sharing, the commercialization of traditional crops such as cacao, mezcal, avocados, and corn, and the continuing legacy of colonialism in modern research. Rather than rejecting science, Joe argues for a model built on trust, transparency, and genuine collaboration that respects Indigenous sovereignty while producing stronger, more ethical research.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink who owns biological knowledge, who benefits from scientific discovery, and what true Indigenous self-determination should look like in the age of genomics and AI.

If you enjoy conversations that examine history, archaeology, science, and Indigenous perspectives through a critical lens, be sure to subscribe to Tales from Aztlantis, leave a review, and share this episode with others interested in the future of Indigenous rights and scientific ethics.

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