97-15227. Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession of the Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 31842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15227]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items in the Possession 
of the Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI

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 Milwaukee Public 
Museum, Milwaukee, WI, which meet the definition of ``sacred objects'' 
under Section 2 of the Act.
    The cultural items include a bear-cubskin medicine bag, two 
pinesnake skins, and two birchbark cases for the snake skins.
    In 1910, Dr. Samuel A. Barrett, Curator of Anthropology at the 
Milwaukee Public Museum purchased these cultural items as a set from 
Spekapuwikweu (also known as Ashkapokok Annamitta Neconish), daughter 
of Animita (also known as Frank Annamitta) on the Menominee 
Reservation, Keshena, WI. Museum catalogue information states these 
items were said to be associated with the Menominee Medicine Lodge/
Mitawin, although other documentation by Dr. Barrett indicates they 
were exclusively used for ``sorcery.''
    Authorized representatives of the Menominee Indian Tribe of 
Wisconsin acting on behalf of Mr. Richard Annamitta, Sr. have 
identified these five cultural items as specific ceremonial objects 
needed by Mr. Richard Annamitta, Sr. for the practice of on-going and 
traditional ceremonial and religious traditions, specifically the 
Mitawin or Grand Medicine Lodge. Information provided by Mr. Richard 
Annamitta, Sr. and other authorized Menominee tribal representatives 
indicates these items are rightfully inherited only by male descendants 
of the owner, and further that such items could not have been 
rightfully alienated by any other person. This claim is also supported 
by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and members of Mr. 
Annamitta's extended family. Further, Mr. Richard Annamitta, Sr. has 
presented proof of direct lineal descent from the last rightful owner, 
Animita/Frank Annamitta, as his grandson and is the current rightful 
inheritor of these cultural items.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the 
Milwaukee Public Museum have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 
3001 (3)(C), these five 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 Milwaukee Public Museum have also 
determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3005 (a)(5)(A), Mr. Richard 
Annamitta, Sr. is the direct lineal descendant of the individual who 
owned these sacred objects.
    This notice has been sent to Mr. Richard Annamitta, Sr. and 
officials of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Any other lineal 
descendent who believes him or herself to be culturally affiliated with 
these objects should contact Ann McMullen, Ph.D., Curator of North 
American Ethnology, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells St., 
Milwaukee, WI 53233; telephone: [phone], fax [phone] 
before July 11, 1997. Repatriation of these objects to Mr. Richard 
Annamitta, Sr. may begin after that date if no additional claimants 
come forward.

    Dated: June 3, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc.97-15227 Filed; 6-10-97 8:45 am]
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