Physical anthropologists, archaeologists, and other researchers wishing to desecrate Indian burials in order to study Indian remains and funerary objects should obtain permission to do so from tribes. The issues of desecration of Indian burials and sacred objects, the study of the remains and objects, and the repatriation of these items to tribes is quite volatile and multi-faceted. Researchers should realize that the study of the past does impact on the present, and they need to understand that activities that some scholars see as academic study is viewed by Indians as grave robbing. Those who study Indian remains should respect the dignity of living Indians by not plundering graves without permission from the descendants of the deceased. Results of the study should be reviewed by the tribes' elected representatives and religious leaders.
Many researchers object to having non-scholars critique their writings.
But this step is vital. It ensures that sensitive information remains secret and that the researcher presents acceptable information correctly. In actuality, many Indians do know more about the topic than the researcher, although the former may not have completed high school. Not enough researchers ask for Indians' input anyway and their studies could be improved if they did. The researcher must follow the guidelines for each new project.