[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 165 (Thursday, August 26, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46716-46717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22164]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects from Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, CA in 
the Control of Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Tulelake, CA

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 from Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, CA in the control of 
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Tulelake, CA.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife, Oregon State Museum of Anthropology (OSMA), and 
California State University, Chico Department of Anthropology 
professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Klamath 
Indian Tribe of Oregon.
    During the 1940s, human remains representing 16 individuals were 
recovered from Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge during 
authorized excavations conducted by field crews of the University of 
Oregon. No known individuals were identified. The five associated 
funerary objects include one non-human tooth, one antler drill cap, one 
hammer, one olivella bead, and one unidentified animal bone.
    In 1961, human remains representing one individual were recovered 
from Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge authorized excavations by 
amateur archeologist Carrol B. Howe, who donated these human remains to 
OSMA. No known indivdiuals was identified. No associated funerary 
objects are present.
    In 1992, human remains representing three individuals were turned 
over to Klamath Basin NWRC by the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department. 
These human remains were given into the Sheriff's possession on the 
unconfirmed evidence that they had been removed from an archeological 
site at Tulelake NWR. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    Based on apparent age, locations, archeological context, and 
consultation with the Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon, these human 
remains have been identified as Native American. Based on oral history, 
ethnographic and historic accounts, and locations of the burials, these 
individuals have been affiliated with the Klamath and Modoc tribes. 
Representatives of the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma have indicated the 
Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon represents Modoc interests in the 
Klamath Basin NWR.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(d)(1), the human remains listed above represent

[[Page 46717]]

the physical remains of 20 individuals of Native American ancestry. 
Officials of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have also determined 
that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the five 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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 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 
Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Klamath Indian Tribe 
of Oregon and the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma. Representatives of any other 
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with 
these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact 
Francis G. Maiss, Acting Project Leader, Klamath Basin National 
Wildlife Refuge Complex, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134; 
telephone: (530) 667-2231; fax: (530) 667-3299, before September 27, 
1999. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects 
to the Klamath Indian Tribe of Oregon may begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.
    The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations 
within this notice.
Dated: August 16, 1999.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 99-22164; Filed 8-25-99; 8:45 am]
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