[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 219 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67756-67757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29001]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
and Associated Funerary Objects in the Possession of the 
Anthropological Studies Center (ASC), Archaeological Collections 
Facility, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, and in Control of 
the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS)

AGENCY: National Park Service.

[[Page 67757]]


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 in possession of the Anthropological Studies Center 
(ASC), Archaeological Collections Facility, Sonoma State University, 
Rohnert Park, CA; and in the control of the California Department of 
Transportation (CALTRANS), Sacramento, CA.
    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 that has control of these 
Native American human remains and associated funerary objects. The 
National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations within 
this notice.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the 
Anthropological Studies Center, Archaeological Collections Facility, 
Sonoma State University professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of the Cortina Indian Rancheria of Wintun Indians of 
California.
    In 1974, human remains representing two individuals were recovered 
from the Suscol Site (CA-NAP-15/H) in Napa County, CA by Thomas F. 
King, during test excavations along Highway 29. No known individuals 
were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.
    In 1978 and 1979, human remains representing five individuals were 
recovered from the Suscol Site (CA-NAP-15/H) in Napa County, CA by 
Stradford and Schwaderer, during test excavations along Highway 29. No 
known individuals were identified. The two associated funerary objects 
found with individual one (accession number 79-14) are an obsidian 
biface and a groundstone fragment. The 31 associated funerary objects 
found with individuals two through four (accession number 79-28) are 
glass trade beads.
    Based on archeological evidence, continuity of occupation, and 
ethnographic accounts, these individuals have been identified as Native 
American. The major occupation of CA-NAP-15/H occurred during the 
historic period, mainly during the early 19th Century. Based on point 
typologies and bead typologies uncovered during previous excavations of 
burial matrixes, the human remains have been dated to the historic 
period. Geographical, ethnographic, linguistic, and historical evidence 
indicates that the Suscol site is located within the traditional Patwin 
territory.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the 
Anthropological Studies Center, Archaeological Collections Facility, 
Sonoma State University have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains 
of seven individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the 
Anthropological Studies Center, Archaeological Collections Facility, 
Sonoma State University also have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 
10.2(d)(2), the 33 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 Anthropological Studies Center, Archaeological Collections 
Facility, Sonoma State University 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 Cortina Band of Wintun Indians, 
California.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Cortina Band of 
Wintun Indians, California. Representatives of any other Indian tribe 
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human 
remains and associated funerary objects should contact Tina Biorn, 
Environmental Program, Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 942874 
(M.S.27), Sacramento, CA 94274-0001, telephone (916) 653-0013, before 
December 13, 2000. Repatriation of the human remains and associated 
funerary objects to the Cortina Band of Wintun Indians, California may 
begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: October 31, 2000.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 00-29001 Filed 11-9-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F