Kennewick Man, among the oldest and most complete set of ancient skeletons found in North America, is Native American, a new report has revealed.
Last year, scientists were able to uncover genetic evidence, which showed that the ancient remains, also known as the Ancient One, have strong DNA similarities with Native Americans more than other populations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Northwestern Division announced on April 26 that they arrived at a conclusion after a thorough review of the DNA and skeletal analyses provided to them. Commander of corps' Northwestern Division Brig. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon expressed confidence in their findings [PDF] - statistical, skeletal, and genetic evidence all support Native American origins of Kennewick Man.
The Ancient One, believed to be about 8,500 years old, was found in 1996 in Washington near the Columbia River in Kennewick. Since it was found under federal land, the U.S. Army Corps handled the bones. In the past, scientists would associate modern native tribes to have Siberian ancestors who used a land bridge that previously extended to Alaska. Kennewick Man, however, has skull features that suggest a different origin.
Scientists wanted to study the set of bones, while tribes pressed that it should be immediately buried. The arguments have led to a legal battle between the tribes and scientists. After winning the 2004 court battle, scientists proceeded to study the remains.
With the latest findings, the skeleton is now under the Native American Graves Protections and Repatriation Act. No further scientific study can be carried out. While processing the return of the bones to the tribes, Kennewick Man will be kept under the care of the Burke Museum.
Corps spokesperson Michael Coffey said the process of deciding on which tribe would have the right to bury the ancient remains would take a while. Cultural affiliation should first be established. The corps is now awaiting interested tribes to submit a claim. Colville, Nez Perce, Umatilla, Yakama, and Wanapum Indians have previously claimed relation to the Kennewick Man.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon communications director Chuck Sams said that they will cooperate with the corps to accelerate the burial of Kennewick Man.
"We will send in our joint request for disposition for the reburial of the Ancient One," said Sams.
Photo: Mike Steele | Flickr
