[Federal Register: December 29, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 251)]
[Notices]
[Page 83081-83082]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29de00-100]

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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 Possession of the National
Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology,
Washington, DC

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 possession of the National Museum of Health and
Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 43 CFR 10.2 (c). The
determinations within this notice are the sole responsibility of the
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of these Native
American human remains and associated funerary objects. The National
Park Service is not responsible for the determinations within this
notice.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the National
Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Klamath
Indian Tribe of Oregon and the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.
    In 1873, human remains representing one individual were collected
from an unknown area in Oregon or California referred to as ``the lava
beds,'' by J. D. Skinner. Accession records identify this individual is
as brother of Sconchin, a former chief of the Modoc. No associated
funerary objects are present.
    Based on accession records from the National Museum of Health and
Medicine, this individual has been

[[Page 83082]]

identified as Native American. The Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon and
the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma have a shared ancestry. Following the
conclusion of the Modoc wars, the Modoc people were relocated to
Oklahoma. In 1888, the Modoc reservation was established. In 1909,
permission was granted to the Modoc to return to Oregon. Those who
returned became part of the Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon. To date,
consultation with the Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon and the Modoc
Tribe of Oklahoma has not identified a lineal descendent.
    In 1874, human remains representing four individuals were collected
by an unknown individual from an unknown area. The circumstances
surrounding the recovery of the remains are unknown. In 1874, the
remains were donated to the National Museum of Health and Medicine
(formerly the Army Medical Museum) by E. T. Parker. The museum is in
possession of only two individuals. No known individuals were
identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Accession records from the National Museum of Health and Medicine
indicate that the remains are from Modoc Indians who were hung. The
Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon and the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma have a
shared ancestry. Following the conclusion of the Modoc wars, the Modoc
people were relocated to Oklahoma. In 1888, the Modoc reservation was
established. In 1909, permission was granted to the Modoc to return to
Oregon. Those who returned became part of the Klamath Indian Tribe of
Oregon.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the National
Museum of Health and Medicine of the Armed Forces Institute of
Pathology have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the
human remains listed above represent the physical remains of three
individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the National
Museum of Health and Medicine of the Armed Forces Institute of
Pathology have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e), there is a
relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced
between these Native American human remains and the Klamath Indian
Tribe of Oregon and the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Klamath Indian Tribe
of Oregon and the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. Representatives of any other
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with
these human remains should contact Lenore Barbian, Assistant Curator,
National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of
Pathology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Building 54, Washington, DC
20306, telephone (202) 782-2203, before January 29, 2001. Repatriation
of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Klamath
Indian Tribe of Oregon may begin after that date if no additional
claimants come forward.

    Dated: December 21, 2000
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships
[FR Doc. 00-33274 Filed 12-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F