Lummi Nation sues over disturbed ancestral remains. Here’s what to know

The Lummi Nation has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that construction projects repeatedly cut through known burial grounds at Point Roberts. The suit targets Whatcom County, Whidbey Telecom and two federal agencies for failing to consult the tribe before approving and funding the work.

FULL STORY: Lummi Nation files federal lawsuit over disturbance of ancestral remains

Here are key takeaways:

• The lawsuit, filed April 28, names Whatcom County, Whidbey Telecom, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Commerce as defendants.
• It cites at least three Whidbey Telecom projects that began in 2023 and 2024. The company allegedly dug trenches at known archaeological sites, disturbing and destroying remains.
• Lummi Nation says it learned of the damage in mid-2023 and “repeatedly” warned Whidbey Telecom, but construction continued near archaeological sites without required environmental reviews.
• Two projects received county permits, but Whatcom County did not consult or notify Lummi Nation despite county code, the suit says. Federal funders also failed to consult the tribe.
• “This wasn’t an accident,” said Greg Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners, counsel for Lummi Nation. “It was a series of decisions.”
• The tribe is seeking a halt to further disturbance, a damage assessment, cooperation on recovery and reinternment of remains, and monetary damages.
• Whatcom County said it does not comment on pending litigation but is reviewing the materials. Whidbey Telecom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Lummi Nation sues over disturbed ancestral remains. Here’s what to know."