Chumash ancient remains return to the Channel Islands

The ancient remains of a Native American man who died approximately 10,000 years ago have been returned to a burial site on San Miguel Island by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The remains are known as Tuqan Man and were discovered on the island in 2005 by a team of archeologists from the University of Oregon surveying an archeological site. National Park Service officials say the remains were found exposed and eroding into a gully within the site.

The Chumash Tribe eventually took custody of Tuqan Man in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act after National Park Services determined the remains were Native American.

The Chumash Tribe recently returned Tusqan Man to his resting place on San Miguel Island.

“Protecting the final resting places of our ancestors is of paramount importance to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “When our tribe learned of the discovery made by archeologists on San Miguel Island, we made it a priority to ensure that our ancestor was laid to rest with a proper burial. Thanks to years of cooperation with the National Park Service, we were granted that opportunity.”

With Chumash Tribe supervision to ensure Tuqan Man was treated respectfully throughout the process, a full scientific study was performed on the pre-historic remains due to their cultural and scientific significance.