The Kennewick Man is human skeleton discovered in 1996 whose ethnic affiliation has sparked legal controversy and scientific debates. Scientists asserted that the Kennewick Man neither belonged to Native Americans nor related to the tribes in the Northwest areas of Pacific region. These two groups advocated for the repatriation bones because they believed they were related to the Kennewick Man. The main law that warranted the return of the bones to natives was the Native Americans Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). However, the outcome of the scientific analysis rendered null the application of the NAGPRA rules. This led to the allowance of more studies of the bones (Rasmussen). The controversy persisted for many years before
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The tribes did not allow research of the Kennewick Man to continue, since they believed he was the Ancient One. The American constitution concerning the protection and repatriation of Graves indicates the rights of the Native American and those belonging to Hawaiian organizations (Crowther:259). The Native American viewed research on human remains as “desecration of the body and a violation of our most deeply-held religious beliefs” (Preston). They also believed the Kennewick Man was their direct ancestor. They never believed that their people migrated to …show more content…
Until the implementation of NAGPRA, the remains and cultural objects were collected concerning people's cultural values. Thousands of remains were reclaimed from museums under the NAGPRA. Though archeologists facilitated repatriation of the remains, the Kennewick Man has no established ties with natives to warrant return (Preston). The subject of discussion between Indians and archaeologists is establishing and maintaining the human remains in museums, archaeological laboratories, and universities. Indians regard scientists as grave robbers. Americans Indians always questioned archaeological investigation because of their cultural values.
On the other hand, archaeologists, moved by professional goals, regard skeletal remains and cultural items as educational tools (Peterson:116). However, it is essential for archeologists to consider ethical and cultural issues when doing research. There must be inclusivity and collaboration with the indigenous community during the process. Scientists must respect the different worldviews surrounding death in individual cultures (Kim &
The tribes did not allow research of the Kennewick Man to continue, since they believed he was the Ancient One. The American constitution concerning the protection and repatriation of Graves indicates the rights of the Native American and those belonging to Hawaiian organizations (Crowther:259). The Native American viewed research on human remains as “desecration of the body and a violation of our most deeply-held religious beliefs” (Preston). They also believed the Kennewick Man was their direct ancestor. They never believed that their people migrated to …show more content…
Until the implementation of NAGPRA, the remains and cultural objects were collected concerning people's cultural values. Thousands of remains were reclaimed from museums under the NAGPRA. Though archeologists facilitated repatriation of the remains, the Kennewick Man has no established ties with natives to warrant return (Preston). The subject of discussion between Indians and archaeologists is establishing and maintaining the human remains in museums, archaeological laboratories, and universities. Indians regard scientists as grave robbers. Americans Indians always questioned archaeological investigation because of their cultural values.
On the other hand, archaeologists, moved by professional goals, regard skeletal remains and cultural items as educational tools (Peterson:116). However, it is essential for archeologists to consider ethical and cultural issues when doing research. There must be inclusivity and collaboration with the indigenous community during the process. Scientists must respect the different worldviews surrounding death in individual cultures (Kim &