96-11793. 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

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 92 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21485-21486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11793]



=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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: [phone], 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 & Ethnography Program
[FR Doc. 96-11793 Filed 5-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F