FR 2024-28500

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Monterey Peninsula College is planning to reinter human remains, including a skull, teeth, and bones, which were likely discovered by a student in the 1960s near Monterey, California. The college is moving forward with this action after consulting several Native American groups, although it is yet to identify any direct descendants or specific tribal affiliations for these remains. This notice clarifies that repatriation requests must be submitted by January 6, 2025, should any relevant tribe or descendant be identified.

General Summary

The document outlines a notice from the National Park Service regarding Monterey Peninsula College's proposal to reinter certain Native American human remains. These remains were mentioned in an earlier inventory notice and are believed to have been discovered near Monterey, California. Despite the consultations held with numerous Native American groups, there has been no identification of direct descendants or a specific tribe that can claim cultural affiliation with the remains. However, the pathway for repatriation remains open until the beginning of January 2025, allowing for potential claims to be reviewed.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues are present in this document. First, the provenance of the human remains is uncertain, with the college relying on a potentially inconclusive claim from a student from the 1960s. This uncertainty may fuel skepticism about the origins and identification of the remains. Moreover, while the college reached out to various Native American tribes for consultation, the lack of a clearly identified cultural affiliation adds an element of ambiguity. There is a discrepancy between the consultation efforts and the determination section, which states no Indian Tribe or organization has been identified. Additionally, the document could improve in detailing the decision-making framework for repatriation requests to ensure clarity in the process for stakeholders.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document reflects ongoing efforts to respect and appropriately handle Native American cultural items under NAGPRA. It underscores the importance of careful consultation and due process when dealing with ancestral remains. Furthermore, it encourages recognition of Native American heritage and the appropriate reparative actions to address historical displacements of such cultural items. However, the vague connection of the remains can raise concerns regarding the adequacy and efficiency of existing procedures for determining cultural affiliations and descendant claims.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders affected by this notice are the Native American tribes and potential descendants connected to the remains, as well as Monterey Peninsula College. For the Native American communities, the lack of a definitive association with the remains might result in missed opportunities for cultural reconnection or the safeguard of their ancestors' dignity. Conversely, the notice may positively serve as a call to action for tribes that might perceive a link and could prompt further investigation or claims.

For Monterey Peninsula College, the responsibility to adhere to NAGPRA processes and ensure transparent communication with involved parties is crucial. The reputational impact on the college can either be positive, reflecting diligence and respect for cultural preservation, or negative if stakeholders believe there is a lapse in engaging authentically with the process.

In conclusion, while this document holds a crucial place within the framework of NAGPRA's objectives, there is room for clarification and enhancement concerning the provenance of remains, transparency of processes, and the engagement of affected communities. These improvements would likely assist in fulfilling the act's purpose more effectively while respecting the heritage and dignity of Native American cultures.