Judge Has ‘Concerns’ in Skeleton Dispute

The judge deciding the fate of a 9,300-year-old skeleton known as “Kennewick Man” said he had “very serious concerns” over the Interior secretary’s decision last year awarding the remains to Indian tribes.

U.S. Magistrate John Jelderks in Portland also expressed frustration at not having a story in the oral traditions of the tribes that would identify the remains of what they call “the Ancient One” as an ancestor.

Jelderks’ remarks came during oral arguments on a lawsuit brought by eight scientists who want to overturn a decision to award the remains to five Columbia Basin Indian tribes.