Tuesday, May. 26, 1998

Government says bones must be moved to Seattle

Notice to the court by Interior Department archaeologist Francis P. McManamon on May 26, 1998.

6. To properly carry out the responsibilities delegated to DOI under the Interagency Agreement, the agencies are in the process of selecting a new location for the remains - a location which will ensure the physical security and scientific integrity of the remains, while also providing appropriate on-site examination facilities. As a part of this process, it has been determined that the likely new location under serious consideration is the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Security and curatorial procedures are being examined. Preliminary discussions I have had with the Director of the museum, Dr. Karl Hutterer and the Chief Curator for Archeology, Dr. Julie Stein, have indicated the following:

b. The Director and Chief Curator for Archaeology would be directly involved in approving any access to the curation room; no other staff would be allowed to access the room. Since the smaller curation room would not be used for any other purpose, no other staff would have any need to enter it.

c. Conversations with Dr. Stein have indicated that the museum has archeological laboratory space that is appropriate for the needs of DOI and could be made available for the planned examination, recording, and analysis of the remains later this year. Most of the lab space is currently in use, but a variety of spaces exist and the museum director can make arrangements to provide appropriate space when it is needed. We anticipate that physical examination might be undertaken in September or October. The lab space probably would be needed one or two weeks at the most for this examination.

d. If necessary, other space on the University of Washington campus could be identified and used for the examination. Having the option of additional examination facilities within close proximity to the curation site is important since it allow the remains to be moved, as little as possible, while DOI conducts the necessary analysis. Furthermore, the Museum has procedures and equipment for the safe transport of the remains between campus buildings. Additional security would also be arranged if this became necessary.

e. The Director has indicated that he is willing to accept this responsibility because it falls within the Museum's mission of public service.

(See, Proposed Museum Housing Procedures at Exhibit D).

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on May 26, 1998.

Francis P. McManamon