[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Archeological evidence and historical documents indicate the area surrounding the present day Brevig Mission site was used traditionally as a burial area.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: (907) 474-6117 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