[Federal Register: May 10, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 92)]
[Notices]
[Page 21485-21486]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

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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 Prince William Sound in the
Possession of the Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, 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), 25 U.S.C.
3003 (d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains and
associated funerary objects in the possession of the Burke Museum,
University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the Burke
Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives of the
Chugach Alaska Corporation, a Native Alaskan Regional Corporation.
    In 1902, human remains representing two individuals were removed
from an island cave known as ``Billy's Hole'' in Prince William Sound,
Alaska, by Edmond S. Meany and donated to the Burke Museum. No known
individuals were identified. The thirteen associated funerary objects
include two grave boards, two paddles, a canoe prow, a canoe section,
and wooden sticks.
    Prior to 1909, a pair of haliotis shell earring were collected by
George T. Emmons and accessioned by the Burke Museum in 1909. Accession
records indicate these earrings were removed from a ``mummy cave on an
island in Prince William Sound (Alaska).''
    Archeological and ethnographic evidence from the islands of Prince
William Sound, including manner of internment, continuity of
technology, and cultural items indicate continuous occupation by the
same communities from the precontact period to the present. Oral
tradition presented by the representatives of the Chugach Alaska
Corporation also supports Chugach occupation of this area throughout
this period.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Burke
Museum have determined that,

[[Page 21486]]

pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the human remains from Billy's Hole
listed above represent the physical remains of two individuals of
Native American ancestry. Officials of the Burke Museum have also
determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the thirteen
objects from Billy's Hole 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. Officials of the Burke
Museum have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(B), these
two cultural items from a mummy cave in Prince William Sound, AK 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 and are believed, by a preponderance of the evidence, to have
been removed form a specific burial site of an Native American
individual. Lastly, officials of the Burke Museum have determined that,
pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group
identity which can be reasonably traced between these Native American
human remains, associated funerary objects, and unassociated funerary
objects and the Chugach Alaska Corporation.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Chugach Alaska
Corporation. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes
itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and
associated funerary objects should contact Dr. James Nason, Chair of
the Repatriation Committee, Burke Museum, Box 353010, University of
Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; telephone: (206) 543-9680, before June
10, 1996. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary
objects, and unassociated funerary objects to the Chugach Alaska
Corporation may begin after that date if no additional claimants come
forward.
Dated: May 7, 1996
Veletta Canouts
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist
Deputy Chief, Archeology and Ethnography Program
[FR Doc. 96-11793 Filed 5-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F

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