In Chatters opinion the skeleton lacks the physical features characteristic of Native American ancestry. This becomes important for the next part of the Kennewick man saga. Kennewick's remains were discovered on land belonging to the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Under the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act any uncovered Native American remains found on federal property are to be turned over to their affiliated tribe for reburial.

The Umatillas Tribe made a formal claim to the bones; the Army Corps agreed with their claim and began the process of returning the remains. Here is where the story gets more complicated. Because the remains are so old it is difficult to determine whose ancestor this man would be. A group of anthropologists sued for the right to study the remains. And a traditional European religious group, The Asutru Folk Assembly, also sued for the right to determine if Kennewick was their ancestor.

So, this is where the story comes to a halt. Currently the custody battle over Kennewick's remains rages, and until it is resolved the skeleton remains in the custody of the Army Corps of Engineers. For the most current news about the trial click here.