97-18710. Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains in the Possession of the University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38116-38117]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18710]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
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 Native Village of Brevig Mission and Bering Straits 
Foundation.
    In 1980, human remains representing one individual were found at 
Brevig Mission by an unknown individual under unknown circumstances. 
Alaska State troopers from Nome, AK took custody of the human remains 
and sent them to the Anthropology Department at the University of 
Alaska Fairbanks in October, 1980. In 1993, these human remains were 
transferred to the University of Alaska Museum. No known individual was 
identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Archeological evidence indicates continuous occupation of the 
Brevig

[[Page 38117]]

Mission area from 900 AD to the present based on material culture and 
habitation sites. The remains are undated and may be as recent as the 
late 19th or early 20th century. Archeological evidence and historical 
documents indicate the area surrounding the present day Brevig Mission 
site was used traditionally as a burial area. Oral tradition presented 
by the representatives of the Native Village of Brevig Mission and the 
Bering Straits Foundation also states the Brevig Mission was used as 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. Lastly, 
officials of the University of Alaska 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 and the Native Village of Brevig Mission.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Native Village of 
Brevig Mission and Bering Straits Foundation. 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 August 15, 1997. 
Repatriation of the human remains to the Native Village of Brevig may 
begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: July 10, 1997.
Veletta Canouts,
Acting Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Assistant Manager, 
Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-18710 Filed 7-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F