The U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is planning to return human remains to their rightful descendants in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The remains, found in Jefferson County, Washington, and identified as belonging to a Native American individual, may be claimed by lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations by April 20, 2026. After this date, the remains will become unclaimed. The Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex will determine the most appropriate claimant if competing claims are received.
Simple Explanation
The government is planning to give back old human bones found in Washington to their Native American families, but if there are multiple families who want them, they will decide who gets them by next April.