DNA may make Indians lose special status

The discovery of an ancient US inhabitant of non-Indian origins has posed a real threat to the rights of Native Americans. Dubbed Kennewick Man, the fossil skull dates to at least 5,000 years ago, and he has distinct non-Indian features.

Without Reservation

The problem started when the Native Americans demanded the skull for burial, and were refused because the skull was clearly not related to today’s Native Americans:

“In February 2004 the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that a cultural link between the tribes and the skeleton was not met, opening the door for more scientific study.”



Scientists have concluded that the Native Americans may have been a more diverse group that originally thought and when proof is discovered that some Native Americans are from European descent, the doors will open for all Americans to start their own reservations and casinos.