Army Corps publishes notice of intent to transfer the skeleton to tribal Coalition. Scientists file lawsuit seeking access to study the skeleton. Court issues order that possession of the skeleton may not be transferred without prior notice to plaintiffs. Permit is never granted. 1997 Army Corps conducts limited surface examination of the discovery site.
Tribal objections limit the studies that can be conducted.
Rib fragment found at discovery site. 1998 Legislation is introduced in the Senate to prohibit burial of the discovery site without prior court approval. Parallel legislation is introduced in the House on March 27, 1998. The Departments of the Army and the Interior sign Interagency Agreement to share authority for deciding the skeleton's disposition. More bone fragments observed at discovery site.