Native American Tribe Sues to Halt Broadband Work at Sacred Burial Site

The Lummi Nation has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop broadband construction in Point Roberts, WA, alleging sacred burial sites were disturbed during telecom projects led by Whidbey Communications, according to Native News Online.

The tribe claims crews ignored evidence of human remains, violated stop-work orders, and failed to properly report or reinter disturbed remains tied to three federally funded broadband projects worth about $13.7 million. The lawsuit also accuses Whatcom County of approving permits without required tribal consultation or archaeological review.

The tribe is asking the court to halt construction, secure the sites, and allow a full damage assessment and reinterment process.