Wise Ancestors

Wise Ancestors is a nonprofit on a mission to protect biodiversity by enabling unprecedented collaboration between genomic scientists and Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities. We aim to address the extinction crisis with biotechnology, Indigenous Science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and unprecedented collaboration. Wise Ancestors is committed to co-creating and developing species-specific research projects (ie. “Conservation Challenges”) with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) for the purpose of producing genomic information, strengthening IPLC conservation efforts, and supporting Indigenous data sovereignty. Our goal is to contribute to worldwide efforts to significantly slow the rate of biodiversity loss while uplifting IPLC leadership. We are dedicated to building genuine relationships with IPLCs and researchers around the world to co-develop Conservation Challenges, raise funds, recruit collaborators and coordinate their work of sequencing and biobanking in a decentralized manner, while building a resource and education hub. Together we can accelerate IPLC-driven conservation initiatives and genomic research that protects biodiversity for a beautiful, abundant, and resilient future. Wise Ancestors is a fiscally sponsored affiliate of United Services Agency, a 501(c)3 corporation, EIN: 77-0311835. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.