First, they do not consider their research inherently disrespectful or equate it with grave robbing. Archaeologists feel that they have been trained in the techniques with which cultural resources can be protected for perpetuity, not harmed. They also argue that their research provides insights about Native Americans for Native Americans. Archaeologists present the scientific value of their research as another argument against repatriation. Physical remains help archaeologists to understand ancient migration patterns, the peopling of the New World, prehistoric health, the size of prehistoric populations, etc.
Grave goods provide insight into rituals and belief practices that have often been lost.
Some archaeologists fear that returning Native American skeletons and grave goods will fling open the doors to their database, opening the way to the removal of all artifacts removed, and that their profession will be left with nothing to study and, therefore, no reason to exist. Their fear is especially acute in the case of the Kennewick Man, where affiliation is uncertain on the basis of scientific evidence. Archaeologists also find it disconcerting that different Native American groups have different opinions on and power over archaeology. In some instances, potential descendants who are not a part of a federally recognized tribe do not have a voice equal to that of a more distantly related but federally recognized tribe. Discussion Questions 7.