[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 9803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5216]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains 
From the Area of Teller, AK, in the Possession of the University of 
Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK

AGENCY: National Park Service

ACTION: Notice

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    Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the Native 
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 
3003 (d), of the completion of an inventory of human remains from the 
area of Teller, AK, in the possession of University of Alaska Museum, 
Fairbanks, AK.
    A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by University 
of Alaska Museum professional staff in consultation with 
representatives of the Native Village of Teller and the Bering Straits 
Foundation.
    At an unknown date, human remains representing three individuals 
were recovered from unknown sites in the Teller, AK area by unknown 
individual(s). The human remains were donated to the Anthropology 
Department at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and accessioned by 
the University Museum in 1993. No known individuals were identified. No 
associated funerary objects are present.
    Archeological and ethnographic evidence indicates the general 
region of Teller, AK, shows a continuity of cultural occupation from 
around 900 A.D. to the present. Oral history presented by 
representatives of the Native Village of Teller supports this cultural 
continuity between this region and the present-day Native Village of 
Teller. Oral history evidence provided by Teller elders says that this 
area was used for Teller burials.
    Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the 
University of Alaska Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 
10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical 
remains of three individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of 
the University of Alaska Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 
25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity 
which can be reasonably traced between these Native American human 
remains and the Native Village of Teller.
    This notice has been sent to officials of the Native Village of 
Teller and the Bering Straits Foundation. Representatives of any other 
Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with 
these human remains should contact Gary Selinger, Special Projects 
Manager, University of Alaska Museum, 907 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 
99775-1200; telephone: (907) 474-6117, before April 3, 1997. 
Repatriation of the human remains to the Native Village of Teller may 
begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward.
Dated: February 24, 1997.
Francis P. McManamon,
Departmental Consulting Archeologist,
Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program.
[FR Doc. 97-5216 Filed 3-3-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-F