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�������� has hired Alyson Rollins as its new NAGPRA Program and Collections Manager. Rollins joined �������� in this capacity in the summer of 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in repatriating Native American ancestral remains and cultural items; working closely with Indigenous communities to ensure their respectful return. Rollins’ connection to �������� is longstanding, having served as an instructor in biological anthropology and holding a master’s degree in Anthropology from Western. 

A culturally sensitive, technically complex topic 

For years, �������� has worked to address the challenging task of repatriating Native American ancestral remains and cultural artifacts under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). In its essence, NAGPRA enables a process in which Indigenous peoples work with the institutions who temporarily house their ancestors’ remains – and ultimately repatriate them. As of early 2024, the university was responsible for 63 ancestors with known tribal affiliations and 18 ancestors with unidentified affiliations and hundreds of associated funerary objects. Western faculty have actively worked toward repatriating remains and artifacts that have been sent to the university throughout the 1900s. 

The urgency to act was amplified after a January 2023 ProPublica report highlighted the repatriation challenges of institutions nationwide. in partnership with tribal communities. 

A transformative new expert  

Alyson Rollins has already made a significant impact at �������� since her arrival. With her deep expertise in repatriation and cultural resource management, she has strengthened the university’s ability to navigate the complex requirements of NAGPRA. Rollins continues to work with Coast Salish tribal communities, helping return ancestral remains and cultural materials while building lasting relationships with tribal leaders. 

“��������’s commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage and fostering cultural understanding resonates deeply with me,” said Rollins. “It is a privilege to work alongside tribal partners to return ancestors and sacred items to their rightful homes.” 

Laural Ballew, ��������’s Tribal Liaison, said, “The respectful return of ancestors and sacred items is a vital step toward reconciliation and healing. This process is not an easy move by a non-Native person but Alyson’s expertise and dedication working with tribal nations in cultural protocol have been instrumental in building trust and advancing this essential work that is so deeply sensitive and personal for our Indigenous communities.” 

In less than a year, Rollins has guided �������� to achieve several critical milestones: 

1. Formal Submissions: Completed the necessary documentation for all 63 culturally affiliated ancestors and submitted it to national NAGPRA authorities. 
2. Active Tribal Consultations: Began the process of engaging with 34 tribal and First Nations communities to address the remains of ancestors with unidentified affiliations. 
3. Transfers Completed: Repatriated 41 ancestors and 238 associated cultural items to their communities, with 5 ancestors and additional sacred objects physically transferred. 
4. New Discoveries: Identified 15 items of cultural importance through tribal consultations and prepared them for repatriation, with 77 additional items identified for future return. 
5. Policy Development: Initiated the creation of a university-wide NAGPRA policy to standardize and sustain repatriation efforts. 

Looking ahead 

�������� remains focused on consulting with tribal communities to address ancestors without identified affiliations and returning additional sacred items. Efforts are also underway to review and identify culturally significant materials that have not yet been examined by tribal partners. Tribal communities have emphasized the importance of prioritizing sacred items, such as woolly dog and mountain goat remains, for repatriation. 

“This work is about more than compliance,” Rollins noted. “It’s about respect, healing, and building meaningful relationships with our Indigenous partners. Each ancestor returned represents a step toward justice.” 

�������� is now also midway through the construction of a House of Healing, which is set to open in 2025. This dedicated space will serve as a gathering place for �������� and Indigenous communities, supporting ceremonies, education, collaboration, cultural exchange, and healing. 

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