[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 119 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 33676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-16167]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
From Washington County, ME in the Possession of the Maine State Museum, 
Augusta, ME

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 and from 
Washington County, ME in the possession of the Maine State Museum, 
Augusta, ME.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Maine State 
Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives of the 
Aroostook Band of MicMacs, Houlton Band of Maliseets, Passamaquoddy 
Tribe, and the Penobscot Indian Nation.
    During the 19th century, human remains representing one individual 
were recovered from an unknown site in Lubec, Washington County, ME, by 
an unknown individual. These human remains were transferred to the 
Maine State Museum in 1989 by the Smithsonian Institution. No known 
individual was identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Osteological evidence indicates this individual is morphologially 
consistent with contemporary Native Americans. The overall condition of 
these human remains indicates they are probably attributable to the 
16th century. Washington County, ME is located within the historically 
documented territory of the Etchemin, from whom the Passamaquoddy Tribe 
descends. There is no evidence of any other cultural group living in 
this area during the 16th century.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Maine 
State 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. Officials of the Maine State 
Museum 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 
Passamaquoddy Tribe.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Aroostook Band of 
MicMacs, Houlton Band of Maliseets, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the 
Penobscot Indian Nation. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that 
believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains 
should contact Dr. Bruce Bourque, Chief Archaeologist, Maine State 
Museum, 83 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333; telephone (207) 287-
2301, before July 21, 1997. Repatriation of the human remains to the 
Passamaquoddy Tribe may begin after that date if no additional 
claimants come forward.
Dated: June 12, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
    Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-16167 Filed 6-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F