I see where you're coming from, and have a few responses > someone who values data over no data I'm saying natives are most likely viewing passed down cultura

I see where you're coming from, and have a few responses > someone who values data over no data I'm saying natives are most likely viewing passed down cultural history as data just as much as historic DNA, but in the case of DNA, the data comes from a historically untrustworthy source. I think it's sad that the suspicion exists between the "white man" and the native people. I have roots in both so I see the issue from your side as well: there's perfectly good data that could help natives tell their story, should they choose to use it. > their culture doesn't value that kind of information This is an interesting point. I'm actually not aware of how advanced science is in native cultures, or how much of a drive there is to have advanced science. I know in general there is a resistance to losing their culture. But maybe there are people in various tribes who would jump at the chance to access DNA information from a long lost ancestor. > I don't wish to offend I don't think you offended anyone at all as much sparked interesting conversation. A lot of what makes this issue interesting is that there are several different cultural perspectives looking at one thing from many different angles. I think in this case nobody is right or wrong, we all have access to the same information and are drawing separate conclusions.