Who Owns the Past?

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the significant archaeological discovery of a 9,000-year-old skeleton by the Columbia River in Kennewick, Washington. The film highlights the ensuing conflict between anthropologists and Native peoples over the ownership and treatment of ancient human remains.

Narrated by Academy Award winner Linda Hunt, the documentary presents a thought-provoking examination of cultural heritage and the questions surrounding who has the right to claim and study these remains. As a piece of historical documentation, it serves as a reflection on the broader implications of archaeology and Indigenous rights in America.