And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:

Lummis file claim against Blaine over removal of remains
via pechanga.net

                       The Associated Press
                    09/17/99 4:57 AM Eastern 

BLAINE, Wash. (AP) -- The Lummi Indian tribe has notifed the city of Blaine
that it intends to seek $30 million in damages over removal of the remains of
more than 40 people during excavation for a new wastewater treatment plant. 

Tribal members contend the remains are from their ancestors. 

Under state law, the city has 60 days to respond to the notice before a lawsuit
can be filed. 

"The actions of the city of Blaine and its agents have caused great emotional
distress to the Lummi Nation and its members," the tribe said in its claim, which
was sent to the city earlier this month. The claim seeks $10 million in
compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. 

Blaine City Manager Tony Mortillaro declined comment on the claim Thursday. 

Tribal representatives earlier this month asked the city to find a new site for the
wastewater plant, and the tribe asked the federal government to place the burial
ground on Semiahmoo Spit into trust for the tribe. 

The new $7.75 million wastewater treatment plant was to be built 50 feet from
Blaine's existing plant, which was to be torn down. 

Construction was halted last month and an investigation was begun after
contractors dug up the remains and failed to notify the tribe. 

City officials have acknowledged that the city and its hired archaeologist violated
an agreement with the tribe, the state and federal officials by not notifying the
tribe of the find and by continuing to work. 

Some of the remains were shipped out of state to the city's archaeological
contractor in Denver, though all are now back in the possession of the tribe. 

Work was halted when tribal officials brought the situation to the attention of the
state Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 

           Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We welcome your feedback. 

                       ©1999 Oregon Live LLC

http://flash.oregonlive.com/cgi-bin/or_nview.pl?/home1/wire/AP/Stream-Parsed/OREGON_NEWS/o1442_AM_WA--IndianRemains


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