Remains given to Santee Sioux tribe

SANTEE — Prehistoric human remains found last month near Center have been turned over to the Santee Sioux tribe.

The skeletons of a man and woman were found Sept. 13 by farmer Warren Jessen, who was building a deer stand in his pasture north of Center.

The pasture is on private land, but falls within the boundaries of the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation.

State archaeologist Gayle Carlson removed the bones from the site. She classified them as “unknown prehistoric,” which would make them too old to be considered ancestors of the Santee Sioux.

Still, Knox County sheriff Jim Janecek said he turned the bones over to Santee Sioux CEO Arthur “Butch” Denny on Friday.

Tribal chairman Roger Trudell said the remains will be reburied. — AP

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