Native American burial sites are not simply artifacts of the tribe's cultural past, but are considered sacred and represent a continuing connection with their ancestors. Native American ancestral remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony associated with Oregon Tribes are protected under state law, including criminal penalties (ORS 97.740-.994 and 358.905-.961). The laws recognize and codify the Tribes' rights in the decision-making process regarding ancestral remains and associated objects. Therefore both the discovered ancestral remains and their associated objects should be treated in a sensitive and respectful manner by all parties involved.