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Published online 18 March 2009 | Nature 458, 265 (2009) | doi:10.1038/458265a
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Scientists in bone battle
Native Americans lay claim to 10,000-year-old skeletons.
Officials at the University of California are moving to give two of the oldest-known skeletons in North America to a local Native American tribe, against the recommendation of university scientists who say the bones should be retained for study.
Under federal law, bones are returned to a tribe that can prove 'cultural affiliation' through artefacts or other analyses.
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As one who is part Cherokee, and yes the Cherokee is one tribe that allows one to claim to be a person of fractional heritage, this is science and those laying claim to it for sentimental, heritage or for whatever inadequate reasons might wish to consider the greater implications here. often archaelogical finds are turned into gross debates as too often witnessed in the Middle East. To claim cultural affiliation is ridiculous. It would seem the Native Amerians in question should desire to learn more about their ancestry via scientific discovery rather than verbal myths. But to expect anymore out of them than we can expect from the superstitious majority of peoples on Earth is unfair.
Liberal thinking may be the death of science yet. It may seem paradoxical but the more liberal and politically correct a scientist is- the more religion [or emotion] trumps science in decisions.
I think, why don't invite to investigate the native scientists in team with the University?. Win-Win. We need learn and understand of the traditions but we need learn to share the science to others points of view.