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APRIL 26, 2000

Study of Kennewick Man which began on Tuesday sets an important legal and scientific precedent, according to Francis McManamon, chief archaeologist for the National Park Service. McManamon is heading up the Department of the Interior mandated study to determine the cultural affiliation of the Native American known as Kennewick Man.

Under the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), tribes and Native Americans have legal rights to human remains and other cultural property, including the right to prevent study and have items repatriated to them.

Due to the contention over the identity of Kennewick Man, five Northwest area tribes are unable to assert their rights under the law until a cultural affiliation can be made.

Get the Story:
Kennewick Man sets key research precedent, expert says (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 4/26)
Kennewick testing to begin (4/24)

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