[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 8802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-02611]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0031402; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: Buffalo History 
Museum, Buffalo, NY

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Buffalo History Museum (previously known as the Buffalo 
Historical Society), in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes 
or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural item 
listed in this notice meets the definition of cultural patrimony. 
Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native 
Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim 
this cultural item should submit a written request to the Buffalo 
History Museum. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of 
control of the cultural item 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 this cultural item should submit a written request with 
information in support of the claim to the Buffalo History Museum at 
the address in this notice by March 11, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Walter Mayer, Sr. Director of Collections, Buffalo History 
Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216, telephone (716) 873-9644 
Ext. 402, 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 a cultural item under the 
control of the Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NY, that meets the 
definition of cultural patrimony 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 item. The National Park Service is not responsible 
for the determinations in this notice.

History and Description of the Cultural Item

    In 1898, the Buffalo Historical Society (now known as The Buffalo 
History Museum), purchased a peace medal (commonly known as the Red 
Jacket Peace Medal) that was once owned by the Seneca chief and orator 
Red Jacket, a member of the Wolf Clan. The peace medal was presented to 
Red Jacket by President Washington in Philadelphia, in 1792, when 
representatives of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy had 
gathered, at President Washington's request, to discuss future 
relationships between the United States and the Six Nations. Upon Red 
Jacket's death, the medal passed to his nephew, James Johnson. When 
Johnson died, the medal passed to Ely S. Parker. Parker was the last 
Seneca to have possession of the medal. In 1898, the Society purchased 
the medal from Ely S. Parker's widow, Minnie Parker.
    Based on consultation with the Seneca Nation of Indians, the 
Buffalo Historical Society has determined that, as the Red Jacket Peace 
Medal was gifted as a symbol of peace, friendship, and enduring 
relationship between the United States and the Seneca Nation, it is an 
object of cultural patrimony.

Determinations Made by the Buffalo History Museum

    Officials of the Buffalo History Museum have determined that:
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(D), the one cultural item 
described above has ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural 
importance central to the Native American group or culture itself, 
rather than property owned by an individual.
     Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of 
shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the object 
of cultural patrimony and the Seneca Nation of Indians (previously 
listed as Seneca Nation of New York).

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 
this cultural item should submit a written request with information in 
support of the claim to Walter Mayer, Sr. Director of Museum 
Collections, Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216, 
telephone (716) 873-9644 Ext. 402, email [email protected], by 
March 11, 2021. After that date, if no additional claimants have come 
forward, transfer of control of the object of cultural patrimony to the 
Seneca Nation of Indians (previously listed as Seneca Nation of New 
York) may proceed.
    The Buffalo History Museum is responsible for notifying the Seneca 
Nation of Indians (previously listed as Seneca Nation of New York) that 
this notice has been published.

    Dated: January 15, 2021.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2021-02611 Filed 2-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P