Kennewick Man is one of the most complete ancient skeletons found to date. The discovery sparked academic 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 interest in ancient human remains. Kennewick Man was found on July 28, 1996 under Lake Wallula, a section of the Columbia River in Washington state. As the owner of the land, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) had initial control of the remains. In early inspections, Kennewick Man was thought to be an early European settler due to the presence of Caucasoid features. However it was determined that the remains were approximately 9,000 years old, much older than any settlers, suggesting that the remains may be Native American despite the lack of definitive Native American characteristics ("McManamon"). Kennewick Man was headed to the Smithsonian for further study when several tribes claimed the right under the Native American graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to take control of the remains to rebury them. In response, the COE stopped any further study of the remains stating that the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, a federal agency involved with NAGPRA, had determined that they were Native American and affiliated with one of the plaintiff tribes, so they must be delivered 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 the right. ..... middle of paper ...... Oman and Kennewick Man." American Antiquity. 66.4 (2001): 565. Web. November 9, 2011. "Frequently Asked Questions." National NAGPRA. Department of the Interior of the United States, Web, October 30, 2011. McManamon, F. P. “Kennewick Man.” Archeology Program. U.S. Department of the Interior, October 9, 2007. Web. October 30, 2011. United States National Historic Preservation Association. tribal Implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Appendix G Federal-Tribal Case Studies. Washington DC: 2008. Web. Chatters, James C. "Kennewick Man." American Anthropological Association Newsletter 2004: page web n American Archeology Dir. Danielle Peck and Alex Seaborne BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc., 1998. Film.