New guidelines tied to Indigenous human remains leave museums racing against the clock The Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act was created over 30 years ago to establish a framework for museums and other institutions to return certain objects to tribes, like human remains and funerary objects. But critics say museums have taken too long to return many of those items. Under new regulations that went into effect this month, institutions must prepare to repatriate all human remains and funerary artifacts within 5 years. Noel Gasca Play AudioListen 28 mins
UW's Burke Museum working with Native tribes to repatriate tribal objects Northwest museums may no longer display some Native artifacts without permission under a new federal rule. Ann Dornfeld
Seattle area grad Lily Gladstone becomes first Native American actress nominated for an Oscar Lily Gladstone has made history as the first Native American person nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category. Katie Campbell
Olympia gets preview of Billy Frank Jr. sculpture slated for Washington, D.C. Washington state is primed to contribute to the arts in the other Washington in 2025, but first, Olympia got a sneak preview this week of a small-scale sculpture of Indigenous rights activist Billy Frank Jr. Mike Davis
Woolly dogs once provided fleece for Coast Salish tribes. What happened to them? Outside of alpacas, woolly dogs were one of the few indigenous animals providing wool in the Americas. And for centuries, woolly dogs were at the center of tribal life throughout the Coast Salish world. Since the 19th century, however, these dogs are considered extinct. Today, a resurfaced specimen at the Smithsonian Institution is helping broaden the scientific and tribal understanding of the woolly dog's genetics and role in Coast Salish life. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 25 mins
In life and death, Tokitae the orca sparks a reckoning In life, Tokitae the orca became a symbol to the humans who surrounded her; taking on a different meaning to each person. In her story "The Call of Tokitae", reporter Caitlin Gibson chronicles the orca's life and death through the people who knew her best. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 34 mins
Celebrating the day ‘the sun turns around’ in the Pacific Northwest Each December, tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest mark the winter solstice with what’s known as “Indian New Year.” The festivities include a feast commemorating the shortest day of the year, the return of longer days, and, eventually, springtime harvest. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 12 mins
'They're our relatives.' Samish Indian Nation prepares to welcome new orca calf to Puget Sound Since the recent birth of a southern resident orca calf, Coast Salish tribes have begun preparing for the naming ceremony that will officially welcome their new relative to the community. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Lummi Nation opposes BP's oil plans for Cherry Point The Lummi Nation is voicing its opposition to British Petroleum's goal of expanding oil operations at Cherry Point, near Ferndale, Washington, north of Bellingham. KUOW Staff
Controversial totem poles must return to Pike Place Market, says historical commission The city’s parks department petitioned the Market Historical Commission to be allowed to replace the totem poles with art more representative of local tribes. Ann Dornfeld Play AudioListen 4 mins
