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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
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.