Taking the Canadian Code of Ethics for Conservators as its base, this article examines the balance between preserving the physical and the conceptual integrity of objects. The concept of integrity is discussed in relation to conservation in general and specifically to ethnographic conservators' interpretations of First Nations material culture. During the original presentation, an example of conflict between preserving the conceptual and physical integrity of a Northwest Coast dance curtain was given, and the audience of conservators was asked how they would have balanced the two integrities. All discussion groups respected the validity of the original owner's wishes, and most stated that compromise and negotiation were necessary to ensure that a maximum of physical safety was provided for the curtain while recognizing that the conceptual significance to the First Nations family was in this case the paramount factor.