97-5214. Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains From Mummy Island Cave, AK, in the Possession of the University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 9803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5214]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
From Mummy Island Cave, AK, in the Possession of the University of 
Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK

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 in the 
possession of the University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by University 
of Alaska Museum professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of the Chugach Heritage Foundation on behalf of the 
Native Village of Eyak.
    In 1964, human remains representing one individual were recovered 
from a cave on Mummy Island located at the mouth of Orca Inlet near 
Cordova, AK. There is no further information in the museum's records 
regarding the collection of this individual. The human remains were 
donated by Bobby Benson and given to Dr. Ivar Skarland of the 
Anthropology Department at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. No 
known individual was identified. No associated funerary objects are 
present.
    Historical documents and archeological evidence indicate the caves 
on Mummy Island are traditional burial areas of the Native Village of 
Eyak based on manner of internment and associated funerary objects. 
Oral tradition presented by the representatives of the Chugach Heritage 
Foundation also states Mummy Island is a traditional burial area.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the 
University of Alaska Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 
10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical 
remains of one individual of Native American ancestry. Officials of the 
University of Alaska Museum have also 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 
and the Chugach Heritage Foundation on behalf of the Native Village of 
Eyak.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Chugach Heritage 
Foundation and the Native Village of Eyak. Representatives of any other 
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with 
these human remains should contact Gary Selinger, Special Projects 
Manager, University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 
99775-1200; telephone: [phone], before April 3, 1997. 
Repatriation of the human remains to the Chugach Heritage Foundation on 
behalf of the Native Village of Eyak may begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.
Dated: February 24, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-5214 Filed 3-3-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F