TRUST - Protecting San Indigenous Knowledge - From A Research Contract to a San Code of Ethics

Abstract

The Bushmen/San of South Africa are one of the most researched communities in the world. They hold valuable traditional knowledge and their genetic traits are of great interest to researchers. To protect themselves from exploitation, they took the initiative and developed a media contract and a research contract in 2003. When film makers or researchers engage with the community, they are meant to go through the community structures (e.g. the San Council) to get approval for their activities. To protect themselves further, the San are currently in the process of developing a Code of Ethics for Researchers, supported by the TRUST project. This film by Amy Dean captures the views of some leading San representatives on their efforts to protect the community from exploitation.