The aurora borealis can be seen over the Dena’ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska. Photo by M. Scott Moon / Kenaitze Tribal Courier

The Kenaitze Tribe of Alaska is studying the genes of its ancestors in hopes of learning more about diseases affecting the community.

Genetic material was extracted from remains that were returned to the tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Elders are making sure that their traditions are being respected.

"The government recognizes that what your elders have to say is just as important as what the scientists have to say," elder Alexandra Lindgren, who has been involved in the tribe's repatriation efforts, told KTUU.

The study will take about a year, KTUU said.

Get the Story:
Kenaitze Tribe studies ancestral remains, researches prevalent diseases (KTUU 9/8)
Kenaitze tribe allows DNA testing on Dena'ina remains (The Penisula Clarion 9/6)