LCSO Press Release
September 13th, 2010
On September 8th, 2010, Coroner Dave Tennant and members of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the North Sterling Reservoir on a report of human skeletal remains that were discovered at the reservoir.
During the investigation, two human skulls and various bones were found in the southwest area of the reservoir. These remains did not contain any visible skin or tissue remnants. These remains, while close to the reservoir, were located on private land in the area.
Coroner Tennant collected one skull for further testing. The remaining bones were not disturbed as they were partially buried. The Logan County Sheriff’s Office remained on scene through the week.
On September 10th, 2010, the remaining skull was removed by Coroner Tennant. Both skulls were viewed in Sterling by a Forensic Anthropologist. After examining the skulls, it was determined that they were of Native American origin and over 100 years old.
Due to the ‘Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act’ the investigation and/or excavation of the remaining skeletal remains will be turned over the State of Colorado Historical Society.
The following information regarding the ‘Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act’ can be found on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NAGPRA.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Pub.L. 101-601, 104 Stat. 3048, is a United States federal law passed on 16 November 1990 requiring federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding[1] to return Native American cultural items and human remains to their respective peoples. Cultural items include funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. In addition, it authorizes a program of federal grants to assist in the repatriation process. It is now the strongest federal legislation pertaining to aboriginal remains and artifacts.
Any questions regarding the find can be directed to Coroner Dave Tennant at 970-521-4850.
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