[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34319-34320]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13567]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Inventory Completion: Slater Museum of Natural History, 
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves 
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the 
completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary 
objects in the possession of the Slater Museum of Natural History, 
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. The human remains and associated 
funerary objects were removed from Akun Island, AK.
    This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's 
administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003 (d)(3). 
The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility

[[Page 34320]]

of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the 
Native American human remains and associated funerary objects. The 
National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this 
notice.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Slater 
Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound professional staff 
and a consultant in consultation with representatives of the Akutan 
Tribal Council from the Native Village of Akutan.
    On July 17, 1974, human remains representing a minimum of one 
individual were removed from Akun Island, AK. The human remains were 
donated to the Slater Museum on January 3, 1975. The identity of the 
donor was recorded only as ``Tim.'' No known individual was identified. 
The 29 associated funerary objects are 19 nonhuman bones (some with 
fine cutmarks and others that have been worked), 8 worked stones, and 2 
obsidian flakes.
    The individual is most likely of Native American ancestry as 
indicated by the association of the human remains with the worked 
points and stones. The geographical location where the human remains 
were recovered is consistent with the historically documented territory 
of the Native Village of Akutan. Furthermore, based on information 
provided during consultation with tribal representatives, there is a 
reasonable belief that the human remains share a common ancestry with 
members of the Native Village of Akutan.
    Officials of the Slater Museum of Natural History have determined 
that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9-10), the human remains described 
above represent the physical remains of one individual of Native 
American ancestry. Officials of the Slater Museum of Natural History 
also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the 29 
objects described above are reasonably believed to have been place 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 Slater Museum 
of Natural History also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 
3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be 
reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and 
associated funerary objects and the Native Village of Akutan
    Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to 
be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary 
objects should contact Dr. Peter Wimberger, Slater Museum of Natural 
History, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, WA 98416, telephone (253) 879-2784, 
before July 17, 2008. Repatriation of the human remains and associated 
funerary objects to the Native Village of Akutan may proceed after that 
date if no additional claimants come forward.
    The Slater Museum of Natural History is responsible for notifying 
the Native Village of Akutan that this notice has been published.

    Dated: May 12, 2008
Sherry Hutt,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. E8-13567 Filed 6-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-50-S