[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 51067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-24961]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service----


Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 
Albuquerque, NM

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

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 10.10 
(a)(3), of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the possession 
of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 
Albuquerque, NM, that meets the definition of ``sacred object'' and 
``object of cultural patrimony'' under Section 2 of the Act.
    This notice is 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 the cultural 
item. The National Park Service is not responsible for the 
determinations within this notice.
    The cultural item is a Na' at' oye Jish ceremonial bundle of faunal 
materials, minerals, leather, and cloth.
    In 1967, this cultural item was purchased by the Maxwell Museum of 
Anthropology, University of New Mexico from Fred Hughes of Kirtland, 
NM. The museum has no information regarding the circumstances of the 
collection of this cultural item by Mr. Hughes.
    Documentation associated with the Na' at' oye Jish ceremonial 
bundle and information provided by representatives of the Navajo 
Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah confirm that a relationship of 
shared group identity exists between the original makers of the 
ceremonial bundle and the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. 
Representatives of the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah also 
have indicated that this cultural item is a specific ceremonial object 
needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the 
practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day 
adherents. Representatives of the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & 
Utah provided evidence that this cultural item has ongoing historical, 
traditional, and cultural importance central to the tribe itself, and 
is of such central importance that it may not be alienated, 
appropriated, or conveyed, by any individual tribal or organization 
member.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the Maxwell 
Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico have determined that, 
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(3), this cultural item is a specific 
ceremonial object needed by traditional Native American religious 
leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by 
their present-day adherents. Officials of the Maxwell Museum of 
Anthropology, University of New Mexico also have determined that, 
pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(4), this cultural item has ongoing 
historical, traditional, and cultural importance central to the tribe 
itself, and is of such central importance that it may not be alienated, 
appropriated, or conveyed, by any individual tribal or organization 
member. Lastly, officials of the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, 
University of New Mexico have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 
(e), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be 
reasonably traced between this sacred object/object of cultural 
patrimony and the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Navajo Nation, 
Arizona, New Mexico & Utah. Representatives of any other Indian tribe 
that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with this sacred 
object/object of cultural patrimony should contact Dr. Michael A. 
Lewis, Curator of Archaeology, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, 
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, telephone (505) 277-
1548, facsimile (505) 277-1547, before November 5, 2001. Repatriation 
of this sacred object/object of cultural patrimony to the Navajo 
Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah may begin after that date if no 
additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: July 17, 2001.
John Robbins,
Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships.
[FR Doc. 01-24961 Filed 10-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-S