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Ancestors and Identities: DNA, Genealogy, and Stories

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Abstract

Stories structure our identities, from how we recognize ancestors to how we make inferences about DNA. In this chapter I explore the use of stories by indigenous peoples and scientists—categories that are not in tension but which overlap—across case studies of contemporary and ancient individuals engaged in genomic testing from North and South America, and poetry reflecting on these cases from Heid Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe). I show how these various narrations help construct ways of being, belonging, and becoming “indigenous” in relation to genetic and genomic sciences.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Jessica Bardill

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  1. Jessica Bardill
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

    Maurizio Meloni

  2. School of Management, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

    John Cromby

  3. Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

    Des Fitzgerald

  4. Department of Anthropology, Laval University, Québec, Canada

    Stephanie Lloyd

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Bardill, J. (2018). Ancestors and Identities: DNA, Genealogy, and Stories. In: Meloni, M., Cromby, J., Fitzgerald, D., Lloyd, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Biology and Society. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52879-7_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52879-7_35

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-52878-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-52879-7

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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