[Federal Register: June 11, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 112)]
[Notices]               
[Page 31606]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11jn99-90]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

 
Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects from Anvik Village, AK in the 
Possession of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

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 from Anvik Village, AK in the possession of the 
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by American 
Museum of Natural History professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of Anvik Village.
    In 1903, human remains representing a minimum of seven individuals 
were excavated by Rev. John W. Chapman from AK, Yukon-Koyukuk Borough, 
Anvik Village, and donated to the Museum. No known individuals were 
identified. The 45 associated funerary objects include 11 pottery 
dishes; a baleen comb; a tobacco box; three wooden boxes; three metal 
knives; two knife handles; four implements; two handles; a graver's 
tool; six bone tubes; two bone needles; an ivory point; a scraper; two 
bear tooth pendants; a flint chip; and four metal bracelets.
    These individuals have been identified as Native American based on 
burial practices and types of associated funerary objects. Geographic 
location is consistent with the post-contact territory of the Ingalik 
(an Athabascan group). The Ingalik have occupied Anvik Village since 
1887 and for an undetermined period prior to that date. Some, perhaps 
all, of the graves date to the post-contact period. Burial practices 
are consistent with interior Athabascan and Ingalik funerary practices. 
Associated funerary objects are consistent with Ingalik culture. Museum 
catalog information describes the remains as Athabascan.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the American 
Museum of Natural History have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains 
of a minimum of seven individuals of Native American ancestry. 
Officials of the American Museum of Natural History have also 
determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the 45 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 American Museum of 
Natural History 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 Anvik Village.
    This notice has been sent to officials of Anvik Village, Ingalik 
Inc., and Doyon, Ltd. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that 
believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains 
and associated funerary objects should contact Martha Graham, Registrar 
for Cultural Resources, Department of Anthropology, American Museum of 
Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-
5192; telephone: (212) 769-5846 before July 12, 1999. Repatriation of 
the human remains and associated funerary objects to Anvik Village may 
begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: June 1, 1999.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
    Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 99-14828 Filed 6-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE BILLING CODE 4310-70-F