Review and Comment on the Draft Research Design (20 October 1998): Approach to Documentation, Analysis, Interpretation, and Disposition of Human Remains Inadvertently Discovered at Columbia Park, Kennewick, WA

This document is an independent review of the ten page DOI draft research design that details the structured approach to be followed in the analysis and interpretation of human remains recovered from the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington. This review addresses three general topics: (1) an analysis of the general approach and procedures described in the document considering whether these are logical, scientifically sound, and likely to produce information needed to make reasonable interpretations, in particular for this analysis and examination, about whether or not the remains are Native American, as defined by NAGPRA; (2) comments on the specific analyses, measurements, procedures, and tests called for in the document, or comparable studies that should be consulted, since the procedures document is general, suggest additional or different analyses, etc., if appropriate, (3) recommend a list of experts in archaeology, physical anthropology, soils analysis, etc., who are qualified to take part in the first stage examination, recording, and analysis planned by the government.