"Genetic Education for Native Americans" (GENA)
Did you know that:
There are no Native American genetic counselors in the U.S. and only a handful (less than four) Native American genetic researchers in the Country?
Native American Nations have genetic-related practices that predate pre-Columbian contact?
Native Americans may have some type of protective biomarker that helps prevent many types of cancer?
Native American communities have significant concerns which need to be addressed in a culturally respectful and competent manner before genetic research is introduced to a community?
Most Tribal Centers, Clinics, and Councils have Institutional Review Boards (IRB) which need to approve a genetic research project prior to implementation within a Native community?
"Genetic Education for Native Americans," (GENA) is a project funded October 1, 1998 to Denver Indian Center by the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The primary goal of this three-year project is to provide culturally competent education about genetics and genetic research to Native American college and university students. The secondary goal is to increase the number of Native people who have access to scientific mentoring experiences in genetic counseling, education, research and other opportunities or careers.
The GENA project will implement and compare two variations of a newly designed culturally relevant genetic education program, GENA (Genetic Education for Native Americans), and provide mentoring opportunities to Native American students who are interested in genetic education, research and medicine.
This project is designed to reach two groups. The first is Native American college and university students who are interested in learning more about genetics and cultural issues related to Native cultures. The second is scientists who are interested in providing mentoring opportunities and experiences to Native American college and graduate students.
This is an educational and mentoring program. Culturally relevant modules on genetics and genetic research are being adapted for Native American Students. Students who complete one or more of the GENA modules are eligible to apply for partially sponsored mentoring experiences with noted scientist in North America.
The education program includes a broad range of experiences that will be tailored to group needs and background. There are approximately 6 modules of an average of 3-hours each. Students may become exposed to the following genetic modules: basic information, research, testing, counseling, genetic-based careers, and genetic teaching strategies.
If you know of Native American college or graduate students, or Native American educators who may be interested in taking part in the GENA training program in 1999, 2000 or the year 2001, please refer them to the GENA Project staff.
Interested students will be asked to complete both an "application packet" and a "pretest." The application packet includes background information, two letters of support, a copy of the academic transcript (including science course work), photocopies of the course names and descriptions from university/college catalogs, and a statement of their level of interest in pursing culturally respectful genetic careers within or including Native communities. The grade information is examined so that particular students’ improvement in science programs can be validated.
The project staff are well-aware that most Native American students frequently receive average grades in their first few years, since these courses are the first exposure to sciences for many of the students. Thus, "improvement" in science course work is weighted stronger than overall GPA.
The educational sessions are coordinated with other on-going conferences, such as SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Sciences), AAIP (Association of American Indian Physicians), and AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society). Partial scholarships to these meetings will be considered. For those students who complete the education program and are interested in pursuing experiences in the genetic sciences, mentorships do provide partial financial support for the student, as well as some compensation for the scientist or the scientists' research program.
We are in the process of developing a national database of scientists who may be asked to mentor Native American students studying genetics. Mentorship opportunities will be initiated during the latter part of 1999. Prior to mentoring students, all scientists will be asked to review Native American genetic-research related cultural issues. The scientists will be from geographically diverse regions of the country to increase the likelihood of matching a student with a scientist who works within a few hundred miles of the student's home environment. Information about each scientist (e.g., type of genetic research being conducted, type of mentorship opportunities available) will be included in a database. Scientists who may be willing to provide a mentoring experience to a Native American college or graduate students are urged to contact the GENA staff.
Members of Advisory Committee as well as the Faculty may include,
but are not limited to:
| Drs. John Alderete | Lynne Bemis | Alice Bradley |
| David Burgess | Linda Burhansstipanov | Mark Dignan |
| Frank Dukepoo | James W. Hampton | Judith S. Kaur |
| Henry T. Lynch | Amy Moser | Lorraine Pillus |
| Amelie Ramirez | Karen Rothenberg | Tom Slaga |
| Carol Walton | |
|
Please contact:
Lynne Bemis, PhD
Genetic Scientist
UCHSC
4200 E. 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80262
Phone: 303-315-3551
Fax: 303-315-8825
E-Mail: Lynne.Bemis@uchsc.edu
Linda Burhansstipanov, MSPH, DrPH
Director
Native American Cancer Research, Corp.
3022 South Nova Road
Pine, CO 80470-7830
Phone: 303-838-9359
Fax: 303-838-7629
E-Mail: Native American Cancer Research Corporation
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