Indian Bones Found in Channel
The discovery of what may be an ancient Chumash Indian burial site in a now-dry flood-control channel near Point Mugu State Park has prompted an Indian request that the channel be rerouted.
The 16 graves found, “could be just the tip of the iceberg,” said Gerald Nowak, deputy director of public works for Ventura County. The county hired a research team from California State University, Northridge, to examine the site.
“When the cemetery was discovered, the Chumash wanted us to stop everything and not further disturb it,” Nowak said. Researchers have been digging in nearby Caleguas Creek to determine the significance of a Chumash village near Mugu Lagoon. The village was inhabited for about 1,000 years until the 1800s, Nowak said. Many artifacts also have been found at the site.
No human remains have been removed and the coroner’s office is investigating to determine the age of the bones and whether they are indeed Chumash.
Nowak said it may not be feasible to reroute the channel because of the amount of water it carries during the rainy season.
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