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	Vol.7, No 50, November 24, 1999
	Return of American-Indian remains one step closer By Johnna Walker Daily Forty-Niner The Cal State Long Beach Repatriation Committee's attempt to seek federal support in obtaining American-Indian remains appears to be headed in the right direction following Monday's committee meeting. Keith Polakoff informed the committee that an inventory, a section of the committee's formal request to the federal government for the return of the remains, is almost complete. After the inventory is complete, the request for the return of the remains to the appropriate American-Indian tribes will be sent to the National Parks Service, where it will be evaluated. "I'm fairly optimistic that we have this proposal on its way," Polakoff said. However, two things must be done prior to the submission of this request, Polakoff said. These two things include submitting a written summary showing committee discussions about the remains and a written statement that gives the committee's basis for determining cultural affiliation of the remains. These two additions are necessary because the Gabrieleno/Tongva and the Juaneno, two tribes who are making the request for the return of these remains, do not have federal recognition, he said. The goal of the committee is to have its proposal placed on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act agenda in May, Polakoff said. At that time, the proposal would be considered and possibly granted. Dwight Manuel, president of the committee, said he is pleased with the progress of the request. Committee members also discussed a letter that was drafted by committee member Eugene Ruyle. The committee previously asked Ruyle to write this letter with the purpose of soliciting archaeologists to serve as monitors for CSULB construction projects and reviewers for archaeological reports already in progress. This letter was supposed to be in conjunction with two grounds of qualification that potential archaeologists must qualify for, which the committee decided upon in July, committee member Troy Johnson said. Those two grounds being technical skills and the ability to work collectively with Native Americans, Polakoff said. Another part of this issue that prompted discussion among the committee was who should receive Ruyle's letters. Some members of the committee said only Native Americans should be given the letters, and they should decide on the archaeologists because they know who is respectful to them on a professional basis. "More input should be given by Native-American groups," said Ken Hernandez, a visiting archaeologist. Committee members decided the letter met the guidelines outlined in July but also agreed to amend the letter by inserting a special portion that would offer the opportunity for Native Americans to recommend anybody they know who is suitable for the position. These letters will then be sent to Native American tribes and area archaeologists. "It's not so important to have a Ph.D., but to be aware of Native-American culture," said visitor Martin Acala.		Unwed couples to get benefits   CSU report shows progress   Return of American-Indian remains one step closer   Student strikes it rich Double- sided racism   Desert road trip relieves stress   LETTER TO THE EDITOR Model graduate   Play more corn than comedy Many candidates but only one gets roasted Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.