FR 2025-04374

General Summary

The document in question is a notice from the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, published as part of the administrative duties of the National Park Service under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). It announces the completion of an inventory of human remains and their identified cultural affiliation to Native Hawaiian ancestry. The museum has identified remains consisting of a radius and a cranium, as well as a placental corrosion preparation. These items are planned for repatriation to the Hui Iwi Kuamo'o or other eligible claimants starting from April 17, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues emerge from this document:

• Lack of Specific Criteria for Requestor Determination: The document does not provide specific criteria or processes for determining the "most appropriate requestor" if multiple requests for repatriation are received. This omission could lead to ambiguity and potential disputes among claimants.

• Complex Description of Corrosion Preparations: The technical explanation of corrosion preparations, where biological material is replaced with a wax-like substance through an acid corrosion process, might be challenging for laypersons to understand. This could impact the transparency and comprehensibility of the repatriation process.

• Unclear Evidence for Cultural Affiliation: While it mentions that cultural affiliation is based on available information and consultations, the document does not elaborate on the specific criteria or evidence used to establish this affiliation. This lack of detail might raise questions about the thoroughness of the process.

• Demonstrating Lineal Descent: The document does not provide guidance on how individuals or groups can demonstrate lineal descent if they are not already identified as such, potentially complicating the process for those wishing to make claims.

• No Dispute Resolution Protocol: There is no mention of a protocol for resolving disputes over repatriation claims, aside from the museum's internal process. This absence might raise concerns about fairness and transparency.

Public Impact

Broadly, the notice reflects the ongoing efforts to respect and restore cultural heritage through the repatriation of human remains to their communities of origin. This aligns with ethical standards and legal requirements under NAGPRA, potentially enhancing public trust in museums and other institutions holding culturally significant items.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Native Hawaiian Organizations: The potential positive impact on Native Hawaiian organizations and descendants is significant. The repatriation process supports their rights to reclaim ancestral remains, which can play a vital role in cultural preservation and spiritual practices.

• Competing Claimants: For stakeholders involved in potential disputes over claims, the notice might provoke concerns due to its lack of clarity around decision-making criteria, which could negatively impact trust in the fairness of the process.

• The Mütter Museum: The museum itself may face scrutiny over how it resolves competing claims and conducts transparent processes. Its actions in this regard could set a precedent for future repatriations and influence public perception of its commitment to ethical stewardship.

In conclusion, while the document reflects compliance with NAGPRA, it highlights the complexities involved in repatriation processes and underscores the need for clear, fair, and transparent practices to address cultural sensitivities associated with human remains.