Washington University Prepares Tribal Return of Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Eastern Washington University has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and found they belong to local tribes. Starting May 18, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This is a respectful step that honors Native American heritage and follows important laws.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Remains Identified, Affiliated
Eastern Washington University identified human remains representing at least two Native American individuals removed from Pierce County and King County, Washington. The University found a cultural affiliation with the Puyallup Tribe of the Puyallup Reservation, and repatriation of these remains may occur on or after May 18, 2026; no associated funerary objects are present.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, tribe, or organization (not identified) that shows by a preponderance of the evidence cultural affiliation. Competing requests must be resolved by Eastern Washington University before repatriation; joint requests count as a single request. Written requests must be sent to Kate Valdez, NAGPRA Coordinator, Eastern Washington University, 214 Showalter Hall, Cheney, WA 99004, or by the listed email; repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026.
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