[Federal Register: September 29, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 188)]
[Notices]               
[Page 52522]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29se99-82]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

 
Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Control of the Naval Air 
Station, Whidbey Island, United States Navy, Oak Harbor, WA

AGENCY: National Park Service.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native 
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 43 CFR 10.9, 
of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated 
funerary objects in the control of the Naval Air Station, Whidbey 
Island, United States Navy, Oak Harbor, WA.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by U.S. Navy 
and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professional staff in consultation 
with representatives of the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish 
Reservation.
    During 1983-1985, human remains representing a minimum of 15 
individuals were recovered from Maylor Point, Whidbey Island, WA by Dr. 
Astrida R. Blukis Onat following their exposure from natural erosion. 
No known individuals were identified. The ten associated funerary 
objects include two metal disks and eight pieces of copper.
    Based on the condition of the human remains, associated funerary 
objects, and condition of the human remains, these human remains have 
been identified as Native American dating prior to European contact. 
Based on anthropological literature, field notes, and excavation 
records, there is a shared group identity between these human remains 
and the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the United 
States Navy have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the 
human remains listed above represent the physical remains of a minimum 
of 15 individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the United 
States Navy have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), 
the ten objects listed above are reasonably believed to have been 
placed 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 
United States Navy have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), 
there is a relationship of shared group identity which can be 
reasonably traced between these Native American human remains and 
associated funerary objects and the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish 
Reservation.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Swinomish Indians of 
the Swinomish Reservation. Representatives of any other Indian tribe 
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human 
remains and associated funerary objects should contact Mr. Steve 
Pennix, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Environmental Affairs 
Department, 1100 W. Lexington Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98278; telephone: 
(360) 257-1009, before October 29, 1999. Repatriation of the human 
remains and associated funerary objects to the Swinomish Indians of the 
Swinomish Reservation may begin after that date if no additional 
claimants come forward.
Dated: September 23, 1999.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 99-25365 Filed 9-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F