Researchers and Tribes Clash Over Ancient Bones

Researchers digging up ancient burial sites has been a long-fought battle for many native americans who argue that the bones, possible ancient ancestors, belong to them and the tribes. Researchers argue that, with no physical evidence, it's impossible to tell who owns the bones and that their research actually is beneficial to those that want to take them back.

Well a 2010 ruling dictated that any ancient remains that were unidentifiable were to be presented to the Tribe on who's land they were found, and then that tribe would make the decision as to whether they be returned or kept for research.

Now, the purported "Oldest Bones in North America" fall into this category, and the tribe wants them back...much to researchers chagrin, arguing that the bones "could be a treasure trove for understanding the earliest human history of the continental United States."

http://news.yahoo.com/researchers-tribes-clash-over-native-bones-160144542.html

This is a hairy situation. I completely understand why the tribes want the bones...and I see the value of letting research continue.  I have a problem with assuming that if someone owns the land over the burial, that indicates ownership or ancestry. I also have an issue with handing over delicate and fragile ancient artifacts to people who have no idea how to handle them, some reportedly who want to rebury the artifacts. And lastly, I find it strange that we are doing this for native americans when ancient egyptian, mayan, and ancient european sites are almost tourist attractions...

"It's pleasing to know that these are going to finally be returned and properly taken care of," Guassac said. "They are going to be getting the respectful treatment they deserve." - says one tribe spokesperson. 

I guess I just have a couple questions for him...Do you really think you have better ability to take care of the artifacts than a lab of trained scientists...is it still "respectful treatment" if reburying them ends up destroying them? And most importantly, is it still "respectful" if they aren't actually your ancestors at all and you simply apply ownership based on where your land is?

I feel like there is a better, more thoroughly historically accurate, and much more safe (in regards to the actual conservation of the artifacts) way to do this.