WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Lummi Nation is taking a telephone company and others to court, alleging mishandling of ancestral human remains.

A lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court on Monday, April 27 against Whidbey Telecom, Whatcom County, the Dept. of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce.

The suit describes the events that culminated in legal action as a “cascading series of unlawful failures” by Whidbey as part of federally funded projects for broadband. According to the suit, the defendants began construction knowingly on Lummi burial grounds at Point Roberts.

Efforts were not taken by the agencies and company including consulting the nation and heeding work stoppage orders prior to and during construction.

The suit claims that the defendants’ actions have resulted in the permanent harm to and loss of ancestral remains as well as important archaeological and cultural resources.

The Lummi Nation is demanding a jury trial, citing several federal and state statute violations.