OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2000

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633
(Burke Museum) Sherrie Boyer (O) 206/543-9762

Department to Outline Next Steps - Whether Kennewick Man is "Native American" as Defined in Native American Graves Protection Act; Status of Cultural Affiliation Study

The Department of the Interior will announce on Thursday, January 13, the results of radiocarbon dating of the Kennewick Man human skeletal remains and the decision of the Department on whether these remains are to be considered "Native American" for the purposes of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA).

Dr. Francis McManamon, Chief Archaeologist of the National Park Service, will also outline actions that follow this decision and the status of cultural affiliation studies.

The announcement will be made on the campus of the University of Washington at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, Washington, on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. The Burke Museum is located at the corner of 45^th NE and 17^th NE. The press conference will be held near their Kennewick Man exhibit.

WHO: Dr. Francis P. McManamon, Chief Archaeologist for the National Park Service.

WHERE: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, 45^th NE and 17^th NE, Seattle, Washington.

WHEN: Thursday, January 13, 10:00 a.m.

WHY: Radiocarbon dating results for Kennewick Man; next steps.

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