[Federal Register: May 24, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 102)]
[Notices]
[Page 26205-26206]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession
of the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, National Park
Service, Ganado, AZ

AGENCY: National Park Service.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is hereby given under the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3005 (a)(2), of the intent to
repatriate cultural items in the possession of the Hubbell Trading Post
National Historic Site, National Park Service, Ganado, AZ which meet
the definition of ``sacred objects'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    The nineteen items consist of one hide pollen bag; three stone
fetishes;

[[Page 26206]]

one velvet fetish cover, two projectile points; one crystal; one
fossilized shell; one pipe with center hole; two prayer stones; two
polished stones; two prayer sticks; two stone figures bundled with yarn
and feathers attached; and one coiled Navajo ceremonial basket.
    In 1965, the estate of Mr. Ramon Hubbell donated these items to the
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. Mr. Hubbell had originally
requested the items for his Night Way Chant in 1925 at which he was
consecrated to care for and use the items.
    Mr. Sherwin Curley, Ramon Hubbell's grandson, has identified the
items as necessary for the continued practice of traditional Navajo
religion by present-day adherents and has claimed them as a lineal
descendent. Representatives of the Navajo Nation and traditional Navajo
religious leaders confirm that these items are needed by Ramon
Hubbell's descendents for on-going ceremonial and religious traditions.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the National
Park Service have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(C),
these nineteen cultural items are specific ceremonial objects needed by
traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of
traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents.
Officials of the National Park Service have also determined, pursuant
to 25 U.S.C. 3005 (a)(5)(A), that Mr. Sherwin Curley is the direct
lineal descendant of the individual who owned these sacred objects.
    This notice has been sent to Mr. Sherwin Curley and officials of
the Navajo Nation. Any other lineal descendent who believes him or
herself to be culturally affiliated with these objects should contact
Nancy Stone, Superintendent, Hubbell Trading Post National Historic
Site, National Park Service, P.O. Box 150, Ganado, AZ 86505, telephone
(520) 755-3475 before June 24, 1996. Repatriation of these objects to
Mr. Sherwin Curley may begin after that date if no additional claimants
come forward.

    Dated: May 20, 1996.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Chief, Archeology and Ethnography
Program.
[FR Doc. 96-13095 Filed 5-23-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F

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