Western Washington University Returns Massive 12,500-Item Haul
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
Western Washington University plans to return over 12,500 sacred Native American items from the Woodhaven Olcott archaeological site to the affiliated tribes starting March 13, 2026. These important cultural objects, like stone tools and flakes, were found in Snohomish County and are being respectfully repatriated with no cost to tribes. This move honors Native heritage and follows federal law to give these treasures back to their rightful communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
12,556 Sacred Items Returned to Tribes
Western Washington University plans to return 12,556 sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony from the Woodhaven Olcott Collection to affiliated tribes on or after March 13, 2026. The items (lithic bifaces, scrapers, choppers, hammerstones, adzes, cores, flakes, and debitage) were recovered from site 45SN417 in Snohomish County and are culturally affiliated with the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians of Washington, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after March 13, 2026; if competing requests are received, WWUAR must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-09876 — Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Denali National Park is setting a clear limit of 160 vehicles per day on the busy part of its main road during the summer visitor season, from just before Memorial Day to shortly after Labor Day. This change helps keep the park fun and peaceful for everyone while handling more visitors. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 17, 2026!
2026-09904 — Notice of Intent To Extend Concession Contracts at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service is extending contracts for businesses at Big South Fork and Fire Island parks to keep visitor services running smoothly. These extensions last until new contracts start or the listed expiration dates, so no service interruptions happen. This means the companies can keep operating without any immediate changes to fees or services.
2026-09517 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to renew its paperwork for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays clear and useful. If you dig into archeology or work with these permits, your feedback by July 13, 2026, can help shape how much paperwork you’ll handle. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-08763 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found some Native American items from Santa Cruz Island that belong to local tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and making sure these objects go back where they belong.
2026-08313 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Research Permit and Reporting System Applications and Reports
The National Park Service is asking to keep using its current system for research permits and reports without any changes. This affects researchers who need permits to study in national parks and helps keep paperwork simple. If you have thoughts, you can share them by June 29, 2026, but no new fees or big changes are coming.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
California Polytechnic State University has finished checking and identifying two Native American human remains found in San Luis Obispo. They confirmed these remains are connected to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Starting March 13, 2026, tribes can officially ask to have these remains returned to them.
Next: 2026-02702 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University is planning to return over 2,500 cultural items, including sacred and funerary objects, to Native American tribes connected to the Sonoma County area. This repatriation can start on or after March 13, 2026, and involves items collected decades ago during local digs and road work. The university is leading this respectful effort to give these important objects back to their rightful communities.