Old bones, new reality: A review of issues and guidelines pertaining to repatriation

Abstract

In January 2003, the Kitigan Zibi asked the Canadian Museum of Civilization to repatriate several 5,000-year-old burials. This request highlighted four controversial issues pertaining to repatriation: human remains may be too old to be culturally affiliated with a modern Aboriginal community; human remains are valuable repositories of information about ancient populations and must be kept for future analysis; repatriation may render museums unable to keep collections; and First Nations may eventually repent of having reburied their past. These reasons are reviewed with reference to guidelines and recommendations of several national and international bodies. Although these are valid issues, they are insufficient to refuse requests for repatriation. Rather than defending entrenched positions, archaeologists should enter into negotiations that recognize and address underlying issues and concerns held by both archaeologists and First Nations.

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