Final answer:
Kennewick Man is the 9,300-year-old skeleton found in Washington State, whose discovery led to a legal battle between scientists and Native American tribes over repatriation rights. DNA analysis confirmed a genetic relationship with the tribes, leading to the reburial of the remains in 2017.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 9,300-year-old skeleton found in Washington State that touched off a legal battle over the repatriation of the remains was Kennewick Man. This discovery incited a conflict between scientific interests and Native American repatriation demands, leading to a lawsuit. In 2016, DNA analysis confirmed a genetic relationship with Native American tribes, and in 2017, the remains were finally reburied according to tribal custom.
The legal battle highlighted the struggle between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the respect for cultural and ancestral lineage. The discovery of Kennewick Man not only sparked a reconsideration of human migration theories but also emphasized the complexities in balancing scientific research with indigenous rights. It was a clear reminder that Native American tribes hold their ancestors in high regard, solidifying their stance with the belief that once a body is buried, it should remain undisturbed indefinitely.