scigirl

I think there are ways to compromise. . .

Perhaps if scientists did a better job acknowledging the religious implications of their work, then people would be more willing to allow scientific inquiry.

There's some egyptian mummies here at the Denver Science Museum - and instead of unwrapping them, they can study the contents using MRI. So, in a sense, everybody is happy.

How about using non-invasive techniques on remains, studying them, then returning the remains to the tribes?

scigirl

DarkDruid

The thing I don't understand is why everything that died on their lands is considered one of theirs. I mean, if natives walked over to New York and uncovered a Dutchman from the 1600's, I doubt he would be considered a New Yorker.

Veil of Fire

Christ on a pogo stick, people! Let the poor guys keep their damned graveyards!

Janaya

If Kennewick Man were simply another 'Native American' then I would be more open to accept the claims of Native Americans. However, this find has the potential of greatly enlightening us regarding early settlement of the Americas. It is an important find because it may change our interpretation of the past.

From my current understanding this find will probably contradict the beliefs (religion) of said Native Americans. So what. The search for truth cannot be swayed by beliefs but by evidence. As a Native American (partly) I encourage the search for truth. It should not be influenced by guilt for the past.

Peace,
Janaya

Attila722

I think that scientist should be offered every oppportunity to study the remains. They will handle them in the most respectful way possible, not that they ever threat remains in any other way.

When completed repatriate the bones to whoever. That doesn't really matter. What matters is being able to study the bones.

Gringo

I have a Native American great grandmother. Native Americans have reminded me that that doesn't make me a Native American and that I'm still a "white eye". They further claimed being part Native American was absurd because it was more cultural than genetic. Then, we got to arguing about this very case. My arguments was that I have a biological claim to those ancestors, be they Clovis, or someone else as much as they, and that neither of us had a claim of these ancient tribes culturally. He concurred with that thought.

If that man left any descendants, surely everyone in North America, and probably Central and South America too, with any Native American ancestry would be descended from him. We're all getting pretty mixed up (genetically)in America. So, let's quit being so politically correct, archive these ancient bones, and learn all we can about our past.