[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 31841-31842] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-15225] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains, Associated Funerary Objects, and an Unassociated Funerary Object from Hartstine Island, Mason County, WA in the Possession of the Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA AGENCY: National Park Service ACTION: Notice ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, associated funerary objects, and an unassociated funerary object from Hartstine Island, Mason County, WA, in the possession of the Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Burke Museum professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Squaxin Island Tribe. In 1923, human remains representing two individuals were removed from graves on Hartstine Island, Mason County, WA by Mr. A.G. Colley and donated to the Burke Museum. No known individuals were identified. The six associated funerary objects include five wood fragments and one copper-stained stone. Also in 1923, cultural items consisting of a whalebone club and soil from a grave on Hartstine were removed by Mr. A.G. Colley and donated to the Burke Museum. No human remains from this grave are present. [[Page 31842]] Hartstine Island has been identified as having been occupied by the Squaxin Island Tribe from pre-contact times into the historic period based on historical documents, ethnographic and anthropological evidence, and continuity of material culture. Oral history presented by representatives of the Squaxin Island Tribe further supports this conclusion. Based on the above mentioned information, officials of the Burke Museum have determined that, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.2 (d)(1), the human remains listed above represent the physical remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Burke Museum have also determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the six objects listed above are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony. Officials of the Burke Museum have further determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(B), these two cultural items are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony and are believed, by a preponderance of the evidence, to have been removed from a specific burial site of an Native American individual. Lastly, officials of the Burke Museum have 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, associated funerary objects, and unassociated funerary objects and the Squaxin Island Tribe. This notice has been sent to officials of the Squaxin Island Tribe. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with these human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Dr. James Nason, Chair of the Repatriation Committee, Burke Museum, Box 353010, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195; telephone: (206) 543-9680, before July 11, 1997. Repatriation of the human remains, associated funerary objects, and unassociated funerary objects to the Squaxin Island Tribe may begin after that date if no additional claimants come forward. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations within this notice. Dated: June 2, 1997. Francis P. McManamon, Departmental Consulting Archeologist, Manager, Archeology and Ethnography Program. [FR Doc. 97-15225 Filed; 6-10-97 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-F