The Trail Creek research, conducted through established institutional channels with NPS involvement, was positioned to follow appropriate ethical standards.

The publication of results through peer-reviewed channels and through institutional communications made the findings available for scrutiny and discussion.

The engagement with Alaska Native communities and institutions as part of the research and communication process reflects the evolving norms of the field.

What these ethical norms require, at minimum, is that research involving Indigenous ancestral remains not be conducted solely for the benefit of the researchers — that the communities with ancestral and cultural connections to the material have standing to participate in decisions about how the research is conducted, what questions are asked, and how the results are interpreted and communicated.

The goal is research that serves both the advancement of scientific knowledge and the legitimate interests of the communities most directly affected.