[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 31841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15228]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
from Prince William Sound, AK in the Possession of the Department of 
Anthropology, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, 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), 25 U.S.C. 
3003 (d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains from 
Prince William Sound, AK, in the possession of the Department of 
Anthropology, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Department 
of Anthropology professional staff in consultation with representatives 
of the Chugach Alaska Corporation.
    In 1902, human remains were recovered from Billy's Hole cave on an 
island in Prince William Sound, AK, by Edmond S. Meany. During the 
1970s, human remains representing a minimum of two individuals from 
this site were transferred to the Department of Anthropology at Central 
Washington University. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    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 
Department of Anthropology, Central Washington University have 
determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the human remains 
listed above represent the physical remains of a minimum of two 
individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Department of 
Anthropology, Central Washington University 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 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 should 
contact Steven Hackenberger, Chair, Department of Anthropology, Central 
Washington University, 400 E. 8th Ave., Ellensburg, WA 98926-7544; 
telephone: (509) 963-3201, fax (509) 963-3215 , before July 11, 1997. 
Repatriation of the human remains to the Chugach Alaska Corporation 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. 97-15228 Filed; 6-10-97 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F