Discovery of remains spurs state-tribe talks

CAMANO ISLAND, Wash. – The discovery of ancient human remains at the old Cama Beach fishing resort has brought state development of the site to a temporary halt, but park officials say the site will not be sold to the Tulalip Tribes.

“We’re willing to talk about changing the development plans to accommodate their concerns. I’m not willing to talk about selling the land,” said Rex Derr, director of the state Parks and Recreation Commission.

“It’s such a sensitive issue when you’re talking about developing it as a tourist attraction and it’s a burial ground,” said Linda Jones, general manager of the Tulalip Tribes.

State and tribal officials are planning to meet and discuss the issue, though no date has been set. Mel Sheldon, the tribes’ vice-chairman, said he’s hoping for a solution both sides will be comfortable with.

Buying the land isn’t the only option, Jones said.

“We’re not committed to buying the land,” she said. “We’re just trying to stay open and find a resolution to this issue.”

The state acquired the 430-acre Camano Island site in 1994, and so far has spent $15.8 million to buy and develop it. The 50-cabin resort, which closed in 1989, dates from the 1930s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Work stopped in January at the tribes’ request when the first of four remains were found. Archaeological excavation began late last year as the state prepared for renovation of existing cabins and construction of a new lodge, conference facility and dining hall. A number of artifacts have been unearthed as well.

The tribe reburied the 2,000-year-old remains at the park.

In a letter to Derr this week, the Tulalips’ board of directors objected to continued construction. The directors said they were “committed to utilizing all available resources to gain full protection of the site,” including the possibility of buying the land.

“We understand the state park’s position and we have had recent conversations with their state parks director Rex Derr this morning,” Sheldon said Friday.

The commission recognizes the importance of the site to the Tulalip Tribes, Derr told The Herald newspaper of Everett.

“Our mission is precisely what the tribes is interested in having done out there in terms of preserving the site and its historical values,” he said. “I believe they want us to go as far as possible to respect the spiritual message that the site conveys.”

Tribal leaders “do not have an objection to the concept of a park there,” said state Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip. “The issue is, how do we take care of our elders without desecrating them?”