FR Doc E8-13567[Federal Register: June 17, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 117)]
[Notices]
[Page 34319-34320]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jn08-77]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Notice of Inventory Completion: Slater Museum of Natural History,
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the
completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary
objects in the possession of the Slater Museum of Natural History,
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. The human remains and associated
funerary objects were removed from Akun Island, AK.
This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3).
The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility
[[Page 34320]]
of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the
Native American human remains and associated funerary objects. The
National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this
notice.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Slater
Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound professional staff
and a consultant in consultation with representatives of the Akutan
Tribal Council from the Native Village of Akutan.
On July 17, 1974, human remains representing a minimum of one
individual were removed from Akun Island, AK. The human remains were
donated to the Slater Museum on January 3, 1975. The identity of the
donor was recorded only as "Tim." No known individual was identified.
The 29 associated funerary objects are 19 nonhuman bones (some with
fine cutmarks and others that have been worked), 8 worked stones, and 2
obsidian flakes.
The individual is most likely of Native American ancestry as
indicated by the association of the human remains with the worked
points and stones. The geographical location where the human remains
were recovered is consistent with the historically documented territory
of the Native Village of Akutan. Furthermore, based on information
provided during consultation with tribal representatives, there is a
reasonable belief that the human remains share a common ancestry with
members of the Native Village of Akutan.
Officials of the Slater Museum of Natural History have determined
that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9-10), the human remains described
above represent the physical remains of one individual of Native
American ancestry. Officials of the Slater Museum of Natural History
also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the 29
objects described above are reasonably believed to have been place with
or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part
of the death rite or ceremony. Lastly, officials of the Slater Museum
of Natural History also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C.
3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be
reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and
associated funerary objects and the Native Village of Akutan
Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to
be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary
objects should contact Dr. Peter Wimberger, Slater Museum of Natural
History, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416, telephone (253) 879-2784,
before July 17, 2008. Repatriation of the human remains and associated
funerary objects to the Native Village of Akutan may proceed after that
date if no additional claimants come forward.
The Slater Museum of Natural History is responsible for notifying
the Native Village of Akutan that this notice has been published.
Dated: May 12, 2008
Sherry Hutt,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. E8-13567 Filed 6-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-50-S
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