News Release No. 2007-1
April 9, 2007
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Coroner Returns Remains to Lummi Nation The Prosecuting Attorney and Coroner Randall K. Gaylord and members of the Lummi Nation met on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, to repatriate the remains of Native American ancestors. "Our office is committed to assure that human remains are treated with dignity and respect," said Gaylord. Mr. Ralph Tom and Ms. Alyson Rollins of the Lummi Nation came to Friday Harbor. Mr. Tom remarked that this was a good opportunity to remind the people that most of San Juan County was once part of the Lummi Nation. Human remains are often found by beach walkers, particularly after storms have eroded away the shore of grave sites. Other remains may be found during excavation for roads, homes or other buildings. When human remains are found, the first call should be made to the Sheriff's Office so that an assessment can be made if there is any significance to pending cases. That determination usually involves a report on the location and nature of the find, an inspection of the site and an estimate of the age of the remains. "When the remains are old, and not of any forensic significance, we promptly notify the Native American tribes that may have an interest," said Gaylord. "For most locations in San Juan County, we notify the Lummi Nation," he added. Ms. Rollins explained that it is preferred that human remains be disturbed as little as possible. The remains should be left in place, unless doing so will create more problems, such as when remains are located near a public place. The Lummi Nation delivered two blankets to Gaylord and requested that he wrap remains that are found in the future. "The use of these blankets will assure that the remains travel easy and are disturbed as little as possible," said Ralph Tom. Gaylord promised to use the blankets in the future. |