Date:
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Contact:
Chinook Indian Nation
Gary Johnson, Tribal Chairman
360-875-6696
Washington Station Historical Society
David Nicandri, Director
253-798-5900
Location: McGowan, an historic community near Chinook, in Pacific County, Washington State and approximately 2 miles west of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
The Chinook Indian Nation and the Washington State Historical Society report that there was an inadvertent discovery of human remains near McGowan, Washington on the morning of September 27, 2005. The discovery came during the excavation of a utility trench. A new underground utility service is part off the SR 101 highway re-alignment of a ½-mile section of highway at McGowan.
Chinook Tribal Chairman, Gary Johnson, would not elaborate on the nature of the discovery but stated, "We are requesting archeologist specialists to assess the discovery. Our first and immediate concern is to treat the site with sensitivity. We will respect our Chinookan ancestors. One can think of nothing else until our ancestors have been properly treated and protected. Once that happens we will meet to decide where we go from here"
Dave Nicandri, Director of the Washington State Historical Society commented, "The Society will assist the Chinook Nation to the greatest extent possible".
The inadvertent discovery triggers a series of regulatory steps beginning with the proper notification of tribal, county, state and federal agency officials. Chairman Johnson noted, "I was immediately contacted in person by WSHS staff and apprised of the situation". The Pacific County Sheriff immediately responded and after careful examination, turned the site over to WSDOT after concluding that no further investigation on their part was warranted.
After the appropriate authorities are notified, a tribal consultation period will establish the next steps that will govern procedures to address the discovery. Existing regulatory documents assist all parties in establishing protocol and process for concluding the consultation process.
WSDOT Southwest Washington Regional Administrator Don Wagner stated the contractor was placed in a stand down state until further evaluation of the site was completed. A 24-hour security guard and tribal monitors are on-site. As the site is an active construction zone, the public is reminded to not visit the site for public safety reasons and that federal law prohibits the public from accessing archeological sites.
The highway re-alignment is adjacent to Station Camp, a new unit of the Lewis and Clark National Park. Station Camp is also in close proximity to the Chinook village known as the Middle Village. Station Camp is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition documented their arrival at the Pacific Ocean. The Expedition camped there for 10 days before reaching a decision to cross and examine the Columbia River and (eventually) establish Fort Clatsop.
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