The Western Washington University, Department of Anthropology plans to return certain cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items, a shell bead and a red ochre sample, were found during fieldwork on Whidbey Island, Washington, in the late 1990s. The cultural items have been identified as having significant historical or cultural importance to certain tribes, including the Lummi Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The repatriation process may begin on or after January 13, 2025, and the university is responsible for ensuring the appropriate tribe receives the items if multiple claims are made.
Simple Explanation
Western Washington University wants to give back some special items, like a bead and a red rock, to Native American groups because they belong to their culture and history. They will start giving them back in January 2025, but they need to make sure the right group gets them if more than one group asks for the items.