The history of the Kennewick Wa area includes the fascinating ~Kennewick Man~, a skeleton that has been dated as being 9, 200. This cultural artefact was unearthed in Columbia Park, July 28, 1996, and has received large amounts of international attention. Of intense interest is that the fossil appears to have Caucasian features, despite being labelled an indigenous dweller thought to have lived over 9,000 years ago.
The Kennewick find is still a matter of controversy as to who actually has ownership rights. Its discovery was an accident brought about by observers at the annual hydroplane race who spotted the skull whilst the races were on.
The current Kennewick Man debate is in regards to the relationship of American Indian religious obligations and the science of archaeology. At present, the Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act has enabled 5 American Indian groups to claim the remains (the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Yakama, Wannapum, and Colville). Each tribe claims that the remains are theirs, and that they require burial by traditional means.
The United States Court of Appeals ruled that a cultural link could not be established in February of 2004. As such, more scientific research has been called upon, although it remains unclear as to how the cultural elements of the debate are being included. The Kennewick Man remains can be viewed at the Burke Museum at the University of Washington.
Related Kennewick Washington Resources:
