Interior Dept. and University to Repatriate 330 Squaxin Island Artifacts
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and Western Washington University plan to return 330 important cultural items to Native American tribes starting April 15, 2026. These items, found during 1954 excavations on Squaxin Island, include tools, bones, shells, and more, all connected to the tribes’ heritage. This repatriation respects tribal history and involves no costs or hazards to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
330 Cultural Items Returned to Tribe
The Department of the Interior and Western Washington University intend to return 330 cultural items (precontact lithics; historic items; mammal, fish, and bird bones; shell; charcoal; pebbles; and associated sediment) that are determined to be objects of cultural patrimony with a cultural affiliation to the Squaxin Island Tribe. Repatriation of these items may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization 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. Requests (including joint requests) must be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs representative named in the notice, and repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after April 15, 2026; if competing requests are received, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
No Public Hazard or Cost from Repatriation
The notice states that no hazardous chemicals are known to have been used to treat these items while in Western Washington University's custody and that repatriation involves no costs or hazards to the public. Repatriation activities may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
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