[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 83 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25713-25714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10070]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-20769; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: Robert S. Peabody 
Museum of Archaeology, Andover, MA

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology at Phillips 
Academy, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes or Native 
Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed 
in this notice meet the definition of sacred objects. Lineal 
descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these 
cultural items should submit a written request to the Robert S. Peabody 
Museum of Archaeology. If no additional claimants come forward, 
transfer of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, 
Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice 
may proceed.

DATES: Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or 
Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to 
claim these cultural items should submit a written request with 
information in support of the claim to the Robert S. Peabody Museum of 
Archaeology at the address in this notice by May 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Dr. Ryan J. Wheeler, Director, The Robert S. Peabody Museum 
of Archaeology, Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810, 
(978) 749-4490, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is here given in accordance with the 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 
U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate cultural items under the 
control of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, Andover, MA, 
that meet the definition of sacred objects under 25 U.S.C. 3001.
    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 of the 
museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native 
American cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible 
for the determinations in this notice.

History and Description of the Cultural Item

    In August, 1909, one item of both cultural and spiritual 
significance was removed from the White Earth Reservation in Becker 
County, MN. Museum documentation indicates that Warren K. Moorehead, 
Curator of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, acquired a 
birch bark scroll of the Midewiwin, or Grand Medicine Society 
(accession number 90.225.1) of White Earth from ``Bay-bah-dwub-gay-
aush,'' whom Moorehead's records listed as a ``Shaman of the White 
Earth Reservation,'' to be protected in the museum at Andover.
    In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Warren K. Moorehead 
to the Board of Indian Commissioners, the group charged with public 
oversight of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After his appointment 
Moorehead learned from his colleagues at the Smithsonian Institution 
``of the dreadful situation on a dozen different reservations,'' 
including White Earth. He asked for permission and funds to 
investigate, which were granted by Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
Francis Leupp, who appointed Moorehead special agent.
    Moorehead spent time at White Earth investigating various forms of 
land and other theft during a period of significant economic, cultural 
and religious oppression. It was in this environment that numerous 
objects of cultural and spiritual significance were removed from 
Anishinaabeg communities.
    Consultations were held during a December 10-11, 2015, visit by 
officials from the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe who 
affirmed cultural affiliation to the birch bark scroll. In a letter 
dated January 15, 2016, the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa 
Tribe requested the return of the scroll due to its substantial 
cultural and religious significance and need for continued observance 
of traditional ceremonies that occur annually.

Determinations Made by the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology

    Officials of the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology have 
determined that:
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the one cultural item 
described above 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.
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of 
shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred 
object and the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.

Additional Requestors and Disposition

    Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native 
Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim 
these cultural items should submit a written request with information 
in support of the claim to Dr. Ryan J. Wheeler, Director, The Robert S. 
Peabody Museum of Archaeology, Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, 
Andover, MA 01810, (978) 749-4490, email [email protected], by May 
31, 2016. After that date, if no additional claimants have come 
forward, transfer of control of the sacred object to the White Earth 
Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe may proceed.

[[Page 25714]]

    The Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology is responsible for 
notifying the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe that 
this notice has been published.

    Dated: March 31, 2016.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2016-10070 Filed 4-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4312-50-P