[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 52522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25365]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Control of the Naval Air
Station, Whidbey Island, United States Navy, Oak Harbor, WA
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), 43 CFR 10.9,
of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated
funerary objects in the control of the Naval Air Station, Whidbey
Island, United States Navy, Oak Harbor, WA.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by U.S. Navy
and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professional staff in consultation
with representatives of the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish
Reservation.
During 1983-1985, human remains representing a minimum of 15
individuals were recovered from Maylor Point, Whidbey Island, WA by Dr.
Astrida R. Blukis Onat following their exposure from natural erosion.
No known individuals were identified. The ten associated funerary
objects include two metal disks and eight pieces of copper.
Based on the condition of the human remains, associated funerary
objects, and condition of the human remains, these human remains have
been identified as Native American dating prior to European contact.
Based on anthropological literature, field notes, and excavation
records, there is a shared group identity between these human remains
and the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation.
Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the United
States Navy have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the
human remains listed above represent the physical remains of a minimum
of 15 individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the United
States Navy have also determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2),
the ten objects 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. Lastly, officials of the
United States Navy have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (e),
there is a relationship of shared group identity which can be
reasonably traced between these Native American human remains and
associated funerary objects and the Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish
Reservation.
This notice has been sent to officials of the Swinomish Indians of
the Swinomish Reservation. Representatives of any other Indian tribe
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human
remains and associated funerary objects should contact Mr. Steve
Pennix, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Environmental Affairs
Department, 1100 W. Lexington Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98278; telephone:
(360) 257-1009, before October 29, 1999. Repatriation of the human
remains and associated funerary objects to the Swinomish Indians of the
Swinomish Reservation may begin after that date if no additional
claimants come forward.
Dated: September 23, 1999.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 99-25365 Filed 9-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F
