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As University of Minnesota researchers map the wild rice genome, they look forward to finding information that could lead to more nutritious, disease-resistant crops that help feed the world.
But decoding the genome is a problem for many American Indians, who consider wild race a sacred gift.
As science creeps closer to the reservation, Indians say they have been shut out of the research process. They warn that any manmade alteration of the plant is "cultural and spiritual genocide."
"The sustainability of our rice is contingent on its diversity," said Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe and a former Green Party vice presidential candidate. "It's central to our cultural well-being, spiritually as well as economically."
Researchers mapping the wild rice genome look for gains beyond new varieties. Their work could also pave the way for mapping more complex genomes in other crops, such as corn and wheat.
But tribes in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin have passed resolutions declaring that genetic research and patenting of wild rice compromises traditional, cultural and spiritual tribal values.
On Monday, several dozen Indians gathered in drum circles and held signs that read "Protect Bio-Diversity" in front of the annual conference of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council, held in the Twin Cities.
Scientists around the world are unraveling the genetic structure of scores of disease-causing germs, the insects and other animals that transmit diseases to humans, and nutritionally or medically important plants.
The University of Minnesota, which hosted the conference, has been mapping the wild rice genome in 1993. Indians have demanded the university release financial information and findings from its wild rice genetic research and include tribes in its project.
Minnesota ranks second behind California in wild rice production, selling about 4 million to 6 million pounds a year.
Paul Schultz, of the White Earth Reservation, said Indians ask for nothing more than involvement in the research and for scientists to keep an open mind to the role wild rice plays in tribal spirituality.
"What we are being told is that the Western intellectual traditional process is the only one today that holds water," Schultz said. "We see a lack, a lack of wisdom in the whole process.... We have been categorically put off and ignored as people who are less than important."
The University of Minnesota says it respects Indians but it also must respect farmers who rely on scientific advancement for their future, said Phillip Larsen, associate dean of the university's College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Larsen said there are no plans to genetically engineer rice but there's an aggressive push to develop new varieties — six of which have been created by the university. One variety releases seeds more often, increasing wild rice crops.
Besides, most of the world already eats food that has been modified through research, including genome mapping, Larsen said. Researchers met with Indians last year on the White Earth Reservation to explain the wild rice research, and Larsen reinforced on Monday that they are not going to do anything to damage the sacredness of the crop.
Still, representatives from Minnesota's Indian bands say they're prepared to go to court to protect their rice.
"From birth to death, wild rice is important to us," said Gerald White, of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. "It's our responsibility to protect all life forms, including wild rice, for future generations."
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