The Native BioData Consortium received a RADx-UP grant to establish a COVID-19 public health surveillance program for tribes

The Native BioData Consortium is led by Indigenous scientists and tribal community members

Our biobank operates within tribal jurisdictional bounds of South Dakota

Bringing cutting-edge research to Indigenous communities to improve health

Research For Natives, By Natives

The Native BioData Consortium (NBDC) is the first 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute led by Indigenous scientists and tribal members in the United States. As a biorepository (or “biobank”), we ensure that advances in genetics and health research benefit all Indigenous people.

Indigenous-Led Genomics

Native Americans suffer worse health outcomes than any other group

…particularly in cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. As science continues to innovate, this gap in health will continue to widen unless we intervene.

  • Pharmacogenomics (the genetic study of drug efficacy) –Our research can find unique genetic signatures that contribute to chronic diseases and improve drug treatments.
  • COVID-19 and public health – We can help Native communities become better-equipped to fight emerging infectious disease and improve public health interventions.
  • Create an education center to train Indigenous students, who will become scientific leaders for our people in technology, agriculture, and health.

The enormous “rescue” and promise of technologies to improve health care crises in Native communities is here but will not be realized unless tribes take control of their data.

Learn more...

About Us

We are composed of the nation’s leading Indigenous geneticists.

Our Board and Community Advisory Group includes tribal experts in precision health, technology, law, policy, business, ethics, and cultural matters.

The NBDC was established in 2018.

We already have an international reputation in tribal research and policy.

We are leading example for improving Indigenous health equity.
Our Board Members

  • Keep Samples and Data Local

    The goal is to leverage Indigenous sovereignty and keep biological samples and data from tribal members local to their community.

  • Build Tribal Capacity

    Building STEM capacity local to tribal communities creates economic opportunities and a local scientific and data workforce.

  • Foster Trust in Research

    Never before has there been as many Indigenous scientists and trained academics to guide tribal research. Fostering trust in the research process by having own people at the helm.

  • Research That Benefits Tribes

    In this era of “Big Data”, small populations such as Indigenous groups will always be at risk for erasure. Our goal is to build more robust datasets that encompass ALL aspects of health: biological, cultural, socioeconomic, etc. to investigate health outcomes that actually benefits Indigenous people.

Native BioData Consortium

The Native BioData Consortium was awarded a spot as a featured video at the 2019 American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Expo in Philadelphia, PA.

Please watch this 5 minute video to learn more about the purpose of NBDC, our partners, and our impact with the tribal community members of South Dakota.

Several of our NBDC board members and Community Advisory Group members are also interviewed to give their perspectives on the importance of Indigenous genomic and data sovereignty.

External Link to Our Video

To empower Indigenous health and research sovereignty, please donate to our Donor Box Campaign.

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible. We will be happy to mail you a receipt to document your kindness.

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