Federal Judge John Jelderks ruled last week that the government must allow scientists to study the remains of 'Kennewick Man', a skeletonfound on the Columbia River that could offer clues about the earliest Americans. Judge Jelderks criticized the Interior Department's decision to return the remains to native groups for reburial, stating that it “had failed to articulate a satisfactory explanation for its action, had flawed procedure, and had prematurely decided the issue.” While many scientists are pleased with the ruling because it sets a national precedent for archeological discoveries, they emphasized that it was a victory against the government interpretation of the law, and not a ruling against Indian traditions. Analysts hope to find clues about early migration and culture from studying Kennewick Man
