According to state archaeologist Nick Fielder, human remains discovered in Sevier County on what is known as the "Jake Thomas property" may be part of a native American burial site.

Thursday's find has put a temporary halt to the multi-million dollar "Riverwalk" project, planned to include restaurants, hotels, retail, condominiums, and a Pigeon Forge Civic Center. The development is located along Teaster Lane, next to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

Artifacts and human remains were uncovered in one area of the 185 acre development area by an archaeologist working for Riverwalk's developer. The archaeological testing was a required part of the federal permitting process in order for Riverwalk to divert a stream.

According to Fielder, the remains could be up to 2000 years old. Fielder plans to visit the site and will assist archaeologists in evaluating what has been uncovered and what else might be nearby.

If the remains and artifacts are determined to be native American in origin, the developer will likely enter into negotiations with officials from the state of Tennessee, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These discussions would determine whether the remains would be relocated or reburied in the same spot.

According to Russ Townsend of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, it's vitally important that the remains be treated with dignity, whatever decision is made.

"The most important thing for the Eastern Band, the most important aspect, is no other issue than those human remains and that they are treated with respect," explains Townsend.

Riverwalk's developer says the company will do what is necessary to show that respect.

"We've covered up all the ditches here," says Riverwalk's vice president of development, Ira Grossman. "And I won't tell you which one it was found in, simply because we don't want people out here to desecrate it. We want to keep it preserved and we want to do what's right."

Nick Fielder says further digs and the negotiations could take up to several months to complete.