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Indigenous Peoples possess the rights to revitalize, transmit and apply technologies of their own knowledge systems. They are also entitled to assess, access, benefit from and participate in mainstream scientific and technological innovation. These technologies can be strategically deployed to facilitate governance, legal practices and cultural resurgence. Moreover, they can play a vital role in endeavours related to food security and sovereignty, health and wellness, and self-determination.

Exploring how genomic technologies can support Indigenous self-determination and aspirations involves looking at existing ‘sovereignties,’ including data, food and technology sovereignty. This project aims to engage Indigenous Peoples in dialogue around genomics by exploring the notion of “technology sovereignty” as a potential basis for assessments of emerging technology. There will be a specific focus on cellular salmon – a cultured animal tissue product generated in bioreactors. The choice of cellular salmon is intentional, in light of salmon’s role as a cultural keystone species for Coast Salish Peoples, the urgent need for conservation measures to halt the critical decline of fish populations and the proximity of cellular salmon to market availability.

Guided by Indigenous methodologies and protocols, this project has four main goals:

1) Develop a ‘living’ technology sovereignty toolkit to help Indigenous rightsholders interact with government and industry.

2) Conduct a jurisdictional review of cellular salmon based on Indigenous laws.

3) Create an outreach strategy based on Indigenous protocols to foster new engagement and relationships, promoting inclusivity across Indigenous groups.

4) Organize a gathering, feast or celebration event for the Indigenous Technology Sovereignty Working Group.