Cautionary Notes on Using Biology to Infer Identity and Ancestry- DNA and Indigeneity Symposium

While it is typically understood that identities are multiple and fluid, the same instability and fluidity applies to human biology. The instability of biology makes the use of “racial categories” particularly problematic and shows that the notion of closed and isolated groups is typically a myth. This presentation highlights the implications of using biology to suggest the identity and ancestry of ancient ones, specifically Spirit Cave and Kennewick Man. Dr. Alan Goodman is Professor of Biological Anthropology at Hampshire College, and an IPinCH research team member.