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Presenter: Hannah Leigh Walsh

Faculty Sponsor: Maureen Eckert

School: UMass Dartmouth

Research Area: Public Policy

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, 165, D7

ABSTRACT

The difference in the concept of consent between Western and Indigenous science and if the gap can be bridged. Consent is a large issue due to the fact that if it is not fully respected and understood, it can easily be violated. Consent plays a large role in our relationships with Indigenous communities when it comes to science. In Indigenous communities certain knowledge is not meant to be shared with the general population because it holds sacred significance to their culture that they do not want to be up for exploitation. In other words, consent is required to share certain Indigenous science knowledge. This stance directly conflicts with the Western ideologies of open-access and transparency in research which creates the disconnect. However, Western science practices are expected to honor the consent of an individual, but there is a conflict when it comes to honoring the consent of a group of individuals. Why is there this disconnect? Is it a true lack of understanding or is it a dedication to misunderstanding fueled by hidden motives? Can this gap between Western and Indigenous science be bridged in a way that is productive and respectful?