Rethinking the Genomic Diversity Problem: Rejecting Inclusion in Defense of Indigenous Sovereignty.

Abstract

Interpretations of the so-called genomic diversity problem in precision medicine research reflect an enduring colonial logic tied to liberal identity/difference politics, prioritizing representational equity, diversity, and inclusion over substantive engagement with Indigenous sovereignties on their own ontological terms. This review critically analyzes not the underrepresentation of diverse populations in genomics but rather how the diversity problem is framed within genomics. It argues that liberal renderings of the diversity problem perpetuate colonizing knowledge production by reconstituting indigeneity as an identity/difference category. This review calls for a rejection of this reductive philosophical foundation in defense of Indigenous sovereignties and relationalities to transform scientific knowledge production.