Four Pacific Northwest tribes seeking to stop scientific study of the 9,000-year-old remains known as Kennewick Man might not appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Nez Perce, Yakama, Colville and Umatilla tribes lost a decision at federal court and circuit court level. Last week, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reconsider its ruling to allow study.

A spokesperson for the Confederated Umatilla Tribes said the tribal coalition is leaning against an appeal. A decision will be made in the coming weeks.

The Supreme Court has never heard a repatriation case.

Get the Story:
Legal options run low on Kennewick Man (AP 4/27)

Court Decision:
BONNICHSEN v. US (February 4, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Kennewick Man, Department of Interior - http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/kennewick
Friends of America's Past - http://www.friendsofpast.org
Kennewick Man Virtual Interpretive Center, The Tri-City (Washington) Herald - http://www.kennewick-man.com (4/24)

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