A new study now confirms that the Kennewick Man, which is the oldest specimen and the most complete one of the prehistoric skeletons that have been discovered in North America, is indeed a Native American.
Just last year, scientists uncovered crucial genetic evidence to determine the heritage of the Kennewick Man's ancient remains, which is also known as the Ancient One. This means that this ancient human has the most significant similarities with Native Americans than any other population.
On Apil 26, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Northwestern Division made an announcement that they have now confirmation after in depth analysis and review of the DNA specimens from the Kennewick Man. According to Commander of Corps' Northwestern Division Brig. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, they have complete confidence with their findings, in all aspects across statistical, skeletal and genetic evidence to support the native origins of the Kennewick Man.
This ancient American Indian is estimated to be 8,500 years old that was discovered in Washington near Columbia River in Kennewick in 1996. The skeletal remains was found in federal land which has been handled by the U.S. Army Corps.
Scientists have associated modern native tribes and their ancestors to Siberian descent, who were believed to cross a land bridge connecting Siberia to Alaska. However, the Kennewick Man possesses skull features of different origins, suggesting a different genetic makeup.
This has been a controversial issue for years as scientists wanted to study and examine more of the skeletal remains but modern American tribes urged for an immediate native burial. This resulted in legal battles among the Native Americans and scientific institutions. A 2004 hearing in court granted the scientists permission to proceed with their studies.
In light of these new findings, the Ancient One's skeleton is now under the protection of the Native American Graves Protections and Repatriation Act. This means that there will be no further scientific studies or investigations on the skeletal corpse. During processing the the return and burial of the sacred bones to the tribesmen, the Kennewick Man is going to be temporarily housed under the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle.
Apart from this, U.S. Corps spokesperson Michael Coffey also says that during this decision process on which tribe should have the rights to present the ancient remains a proper burial, a cultural affiliation should be confirmed first and established. The Native American tribes that are awaiting the decision from their claims are the Colville, Nez Perce, Umatilla, Yakama, and Wanapum Indians.