Kennewick Man is one of the most complete ancient skeletons discovered to date. The discovery launched a scientific and public debate about the legal and ethical implications of the anthropological study of Native American human remains. The Kennewick Man controversy has called into question the ability of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to balance tribal, museum, and archaeological interests for ancient human remains. The Kennewick Man was discovered on July 28, 1996, beneath Lake Wallula, a section of the Columbia River, in Washington state. As owner of the land, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) had initial control of the remains. During early inspections, Kennewick Man was considered an early European settler due to the presence of Caucasoid features. However, the remains were determined to have an age of approximately 9,000 years BP, much older than any settler, suggesting that the remains could be Native American despite the lack of definitive Native American characteristics (" McManamon"). Kennewick Man was on his way to the Smithsonian for further study when several tribes asserted their claims under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to take control of the remains for reburial. In response, the COE halted further study of the remains, saying that the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, a federal agency involved in NAGPRA, had determined that they were Native American and affiliated with one of the claimant tribes and that they should therefore be handed over. to an alliance of five tribes and bands (Umatilla, Yakama, Nez Perce, Wanapum, and Colville) through NAGPRA (“United States”). The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is the primary federal law governing this right. ..... middle of paper ......oman and Kennewick Man." American Antiquity. 66.4 (2001): 565. Web. November 9, 2011. "Frequently Asked Questions." National NAGPRA. U.S. Department of Interior, Web, October 30, 2011. McManamon, FP “Kennewick Man.” United States Department of the Interior, October 9, 2007. Web, October 30, 2011. United States National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. . Federal-Tribal Case Studies. Washington DC: 2008. Web. Chatters, James C. "Kennewick Man." Americas, Inc., 1998. Movie..