What is the process of gaining consent from individuals in each region?
The Genographic Project is an ongoing initiative that is by its very nature collaborative. In all instances the word “consent” means free, prior and informed consent. Each indigenous and/or traditional person participating in the Genographic Project will provide informed consent by signing the informed consent form before the collection of a DNA sample and oral history/family information. One of the ethical foundations of the project is that indigenous and traditional peoples be consulted—i.e., conferred with—at each stage of the project. Advice from indigenous and traditional leaders and experience confirms that authority must be sought and gained at a local level. Furthermore, while we also seek advice from regional, national, or international representatives of indigenous and traditional peoples, we must ultimately defer to local indigenous and traditional representatives. Collaboration is present through every major phase of the project. The researchers at each of the regional cent
