Many Native Americans view anthropologists as a curse, as people who are not to be trusted, people with ulterior motives, people who steal culture, language, images and things (Deloria 1992, 1995, 1999; Thornton 1998; Watkins 2000b; White Deer 1997). This view stems from the historic relationships that have provided anthropologists, university professors, museum professionals, art dealers and antiques dealers with livelihoods often to the detriment of Native people and communities.

There are a number of unfortunate tensions inherent in the longstanding relationship between Native peoples and anthropologists. Anthropologists generally express feelings of affection and affinity for indigenous cultures and most approach their work with a desire to benefit their host communities. Despite these good intentions, however, great harm has often been brought to indigenous communities who did not agree with or fully understand the goals, methods or long-term ramifications of participation in anthropological studies. In addition to the divergent interests of the host community and the anthropologist's career interests, there are additional tensions between paternalism and community autonomy. These arise as a result of differing conceptions of what constitutes benefit for a host community.