Final answer:
The 'Spirit Sings' exhibit at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics became a point of contention regarding indigenous cultural representation and artifact ownership, exemplifying broader issues of cultural appropriation and rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The underlying issue behind the "Spirit Sings" exhibit at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988 was a conflict surrounding the representation and ownership of indigenous cultural heritage. The exhibit featured indigenous artifacts, which sparked debate about cultural appropriation, colonial history, and the rights of indigenous peoples to control their cultural expressions and historical artifacts. The controversy highlighted the broader issues of how indigenous cultures are represented in public spaces and who should have authority over such representations.