In this special lecture to honour the legacy of Charles Darwin at the University of Cambridge, Dr Keolu Fox, the first Native Hawaiian PhD. in genomic sciences and a National Geographic Explorer and Wayfinder Award winner, presents a pioneering perspective that blends Indigenous knowledge with modern genomic research. Drawing on the rich history of Polynesian wayfinding and Darwin’s evolutionary theories, Keolu introduces the concept of “Indigenous Futurism”—a movement to harness scientific and technological advancements to empower Indigenous communities.
Keolu’s research uses genetic data to rewrite the narratives of Indigenous people, emphasising that the human genome, much like the vast Pacific Ocean, contains clues about our history, health, and future. By studying the genomes of Polynesian descendants of ancient navigators, his work not only highlights the complex migration patterns that brought them to distant islands like Hawaii and Tahiti but also offers insights into modern health challenges faced by these communities.
In this lecture, Keolu will discuss how genomics can serve as a tool for land reclamation, public health improvements, and cultural preservation. He emphasises the need for ethical, community-driven research models that prioritise benefit-sharing and cultural sustainability over extractive scientific practices. By incorporating Indigenous values and decision-making, his approach seeks to return agency to the communities that have historically been marginalised in genomic studies.
Keolu’s vision extends beyond academia, with aspirations to develop mobile genomic technologies that could bring research directly to remote communities, revolutionising conservation genetics and healthcare delivery. Through this fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, Keolu continues the Darwinian legacy of exploring human evolution—this time with a focus on the resilience and future of Indigenous peoples.
This lecture will provide a fascinating look at how the past informs the future, offering a new path forward in genomics that aligns with the global push toward inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in science.
Keolu is Co-Founder of the Native BioData Consortium, a nonprofit research institute led by Indigenous scientists and tribal members. He is also an assistant professor at the University of California San Diego, where he is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the UCSD Indigenous Futures Institute. Growing up as an avid waterman, Keolu was immersed in stories about his ancestors, Polynesian navigators, and the men who led the first Hōkūleʻa voyage to Tahiti in the late 1970s. He tells us how genetic data can help reveal powerful narratives about the history of Indigenous people and their achievements, and empower communities to use data to improve public health and preserve their culture.
