The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe of Washington has asked the state to stop construction at an historic tribal village where hundreds of ancestors have been discovered.

The tribe has been participating in excavation of the Tse-whit-sen village, occupied until the early 1920s. But "enough is enough," says chairwoman Frances G. Charles.

Tribal, state and federal officials met on Friday for what was described as an emotional meeting. Outgoing Gov. Gary Locke (D) and other state officials said they probably won't move forward with the project without tribal approval.

The state has reportedly spent $50 million so far on the Hood Canal Bridge project. The Tse-whit-sen village is being impacted by a dry dock needed for the bridgework. The tribe is only asking that the dock be moved.

Get the Story:
Tribe's tougher stance stirs new round of talks on graving yard's future (The Peninsula Daily News 12/12)
Lower Elwha Klallam tribe asks Department of Transportation to move graving yard (The Peninsula Daily News 12/12)
Tribe's letter deepens dilemma over project (The Seattle Times 12/12)

Relevant Links:
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe - http://www.elwha.org

Related Stories:
Editorial: Let tribe complete work on village (12/03)
Washington tribe to discuss future of village (11/29)
Construction at tribal burial site still in dispute (11/18)
Washington tribe wants work stopped at bridge site (10/08)
Discovery of village strains Washington tribe (07/28)
Klallam village in Washington larger than expected (7/23)
Klallam village in Washington called significant find (07/14)
Washington tribe helping with removal of remains (04/20)
State to pay for reburial of Klallam ancestors (04/13)
Wash. tribe to sign agreement for reburial of ancestors (03/16)
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