Who owns the past
While numerous remains and artifacts are housed in museums, universities, historical societies and private collections, who should these remains and artifacts, actually belong to?
Based on the readings in your text and the article “Who owns the past?” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/who-owns-the-past/, write an 3ssay describing the issues and who you believe should own these remains and why.
Sample Answer
The issue of who should own the remains and artifacts of Native American tribes is a complex one. On the one hand, these remains and artifacts are important cultural heritage objects that should be preserved for future generations. On the other hand, they are also the remains of ancestors of living Native American people, and many tribes believe that they should be returned to their rightful owners.
There are a number of arguments in favor of returning Native American remains and artifacts to their tribes. First, these remains and artifacts are often sacred to Native American people. They may be used in religious ceremonies or they may simply be a way for tribes to connect with their ancestors. Second, the removal of these remains and artifacts from their original context can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation. By taking these objects from their tribes, non-Native people are essentially claiming ownership of Native American culture.