The Court denies the government's motion to dismiss the scientists' complaint. March Scientists file a motion for access to study. Their study plan includes detailed proposals from 17 scientists from across the country. April Government files a motion for judgement in its favor and states study of the skeleton is unnecessary. June Court denies the government's motion for judgment and also the scientists' motion for access for immediate study, but leaves this open to file at a later date.
Court asks for quarterly status reports.
July Concern increases that bones are improperly housed. Reports surface that Corps has allowed tribes to conduct religious ceremonies with the skeleton and that cedar bows were placed with the bones. Five scientists submit ARPA request to investigate the discovery site. No permit granted. The Confederated tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation file a competing ARPA request.