FR 2025-06211

The document from the Federal Register is an official notice that concerns the repatriation of human remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). It informs the public that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, has completed an inventory of certain human remains and has identified these remains as having a cultural connection to two Native American tribes: the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The remains, which were found near LeCompte Catholic Church Cemetery in Corson County, South Dakota, are currently housed at the South Dakota State Historical Society Archaeological Research Center. They are eligible for repatriation on or after May 12, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable concerns within the notice that merit attention:

1. Lack of Financial Transparency: The notice does not include details on the funding or resources allocated for the repatriation process. This omission makes it challenging to assess whether the spending is justified or potentially wasteful. Public transparency regarding funding allocation is crucial for accountability.

2. Involvement of Third Parties: The document does not mention whether any third-party organizations, contractors, or consultants are involved in the repatriation process. The inclusion of external entities without transparency can be problematic, particularly if they play a significant role without public disclosure.

3. Process for Competing Requests: While the notice mentions that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District will determine the "most appropriate requestor" in cases of competing requests for repatriation, it lacks detail on how this determination will be made. This vagueness could lead to disputes or perceptions of bias, as stakeholders may have differing interpretations of what constitutes a valid claim.

4. Criteria for Cultural Affiliation: Although the notice states that cultural affiliation is determined based on available information and consultations, explicit criteria or standards used for these determinations are not provided. This lack of transparency could raise questions about the objectivity and fairness of the decisions.

5. Contact Information: The email address for Livia Taylor, the contact person for repatriation requests, contains misplaced asterisks. This formatting error could hinder individuals seeking to initiate contact for legitimate purposes, leading to delays or confusion.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this notice is part of ongoing efforts to address historical injustices related to the treatment of Native American cultural and ancestral remains. It aligns with commitments to respect Native American and Native Hawaiian heritage and cultural rights, fostering reconciliation and acknowledgement of past grievances.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the document represents a significant step toward reclaiming cultural heritage and ancestral remains. Successful repatriation can be a restorative process, allowing tribes to honor their ancestors according to their traditions and customs.

However, the lack of detailed procedures in the document regarding competing claims might be a source of concern for other tribes or individuals with potential claims to the remains. Without clear guidelines, there is a risk of perceived or actual inequity in determining rightful ownership.

In summary, the notice represents positive progress in repatriating Native American remains but highlights several areas where greater transparency and detail would benefit the process and assure all stakeholders of its fairness and integrity.