PORT ANGELES — On a day famous for extending gratitude, leaders of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe say they are grateful for community support of their efforts to protect ancestral remains and artifacts.
In August, only a few days after excavation of the state Department of Transportation’s graving yard began Klallam remains and artifacts were uncovered.
“We want to express our sincere appreciation for the ongoing support of the community,” said Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chairman Dennis R. “Sully” Sullivan. “It means a lot to our community.”
Sullivan and other tribal council members Rosi Francis, Phil Charles, Verna Henderson and Frances G. Charles said since the discovery numerous flower arrangements, written and verbal words of encouragement and support and a framed poster entitled “The Ten Indian Commandments” have been given to the tribe.
The poster appeared during a Veterans Day ceremony at the tribal center and included only a small note of explanation.
“In memory of those who were lost and now are found,” the note signed by Carol Anderson and Brian McCreery said.
“People off the street have came up to me to shake my hand and offer support to the tribe,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes they voice concerns about the project and I tell them that the tribe too wants the project to continue, but at the same time the tribe must protect its ancestors.”
Following federal and state laws Transportation officials shut down the $17 million project until agreements could be reached about how remains uncovered would be removed, documented and reburied and how construction would occur to protect future findings.
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