[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 41447]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15292]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Intent to Repatriate a Cultural Item in the Possession 
of the Springfield Science Museum, Springfield, MA

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, 43 CFR 10.10 (a)(3), 
of the intent to repatriate a cultural item in the possession of the 
Springfield Science Museum, Springfield, MA, that meets the definition 
of ``sacred object'' 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 these 
cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the 
determinations within this notice.
    The sacred object is a hide pouch, 5 1/2 in. long and 2 1/2 in. 
wide with a buckskin tie, containing black mineral pigment.
    In 1991, this item was purchased by the Springfield Science Museum 
from the Northeastern Taxidermy Studio of Catskill, NY. Members of the 
Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah have identified this item as 
necessary for the continued practice of traditional Navajo religion by 
present-day adherents. Representatives of the Navajo Nation and 
traditional religious leaders have confirmed that this item is needed 
for on-going ceremonial and religious traditions and have requested 
that this item be repatriated. The Springfield Science Museum's records 
indicate that the object under consideration for repatriation is Navajo 
in origin and was most likely used by Navajo medicine men prior to 
1900.
    Based on the above-mentioned information, officials of the 
Springfield Science Museum in consultation with representatives of the 
Navajo Nation 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 Springfield Science Museum also 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 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 should contact John Pretola, Curator of Anthropology, 
Springfield Science Museum, 236 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 
telephone (413) 263-6800, before July 18, 2002. Repatriation of this 
sacred object to the Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah may 
begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.

    Dated: May 6, 2002.
Robert Stearns,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 02-15292 Filed 6-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-S