Ancient DNA research involving human remains has, from its earliest days, generated significant ethical questions about the appropriate relationship between researchers and the communities whose ancestors are being studied.

These questions have been particularly acute in North America, where the intersection of ancient DNA research with the repatriation rights established by NAGPRA has created genuine tensions between scientific interests and Indigenous community interests.

The Kennewick Man case is the most prominent example of this tension.

A set of ancient human remains discovered in Washington State in 1996 were found to be approximately 9,000 years old, making them among the oldest human remains ever found in North America.

The remains were claimed by local tribal nations for repatriation under NAGPRA, and were claimed by scientists who argued that the remains were scientifically important and should be studied before any repatriation decision was made.