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 Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&