Conclusion
Indigenous genomics, in particular the study of sedaDNA, is a powerful
tool that has the potential to provide Indigenous Nations of Australia
with links to their kin and improve ecological research. Respectfully
improving the relationship of academic institutions and researchers with
Indigenous peoples will be difficult, however, as the historic forced
suppression of Traditional Knowledges and Traditional Knowledge systems,
in conjunction with the abduction and embezzlement of Indigenous
artefacts (including kin/totem flora and fauna), has created
intergenerational mistrust of academic activities. The result is a
current gap of Indigenous inclusion in rapidly developing areas of
genomic science such as sedaDNA. Given the breadth of genomic
information from Country available through sedaDNA analysis, engaging
Indigenous peoples is key to ensure each Nation is in control of their
own narrative.