[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 111 (Thursday, June 8, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36464-36465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14488]


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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 Sledge Island, AK in the 
Possession of the University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK

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 Sledge Island, AK in the possession of University 
of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK. This notice is being published as part 
of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under 
NAGPRA, 43 CFR 10.2 (c). The determinations within this notice are the 
sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal Agency who 
has control of these Native American human remains and associated 
funerary objects.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by University 
of Alaska Museum professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of the Nome Eskimo Community.
    In 1950, human remains representing five individuals were recovered 
from Sledge Island, AK during surveys conducted under the auspices of 
the University of Alaska Museum by George Schumann. No known 
individuals were identified. No associated funerary object are present.
    In 1956, human remains representing one individual were recovered 
from Sledge Island, AK during surveys conducted under the auspices of 
the University of Alaska Museum by Otto Geist and Ivar Skarland. No 
known individual was identified. The nine associated funerary objects 
are two knife handles and seven faunal remains consisting of three dog 
bones and four polar bear bones.
    In 1968, human remains representing four individuals were recovered 
from Sledge Island, AK by William Tuttle, who donated these human 
remains to the University of Alaska Museum. No known individuals were 
identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    Based on material culture, the sites listed above have been 
identified as historic period occupations (post-1780 A.D.).
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the 
University

[[Page 36465]]

of Alaska Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), 
the human remains listed above represent the physical remains of a 
minimum of ten individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of 
the University of Alaska Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 
43 CFR 10.2 (d)(2), the nine 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 University of Alaska Museum 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 Nome 
Eskimo Community.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Nome Eskimo 
Community. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes 
itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and 
associated funerary objects should contact Gary Selinger, Special 
Projects Manager, University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, 
Fairbanks, AK 99775-1200; telephone: (907) 474-6117, fax: (907) 474-
5469, before July 10, 2000. Repatriation of the human remains and 
associated funerary objects to the Nome Eskimo Community 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: May 30, 2000.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 00-14488 Filed 6-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F