SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the University of Kansas, and additional information on the determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in its inventory or related records. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.

Abstract of Information Available

Human remains representing, at least, four individuals have been identified from four sites in Platte County, Missouri. The four associated funerary objects include lots of artifacts.

The Aker Site (23PL43) is located in Platte County, Missouri. Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been identified. The one associated funerary object includes a lot of artifacts. Collections from this site were donated to the University of Kansas by the Aker Family in 1988, 2022, and 2024. Records indicate a Kansas City Hopewell affiliation (1 to 500 CE).

The Humphrey Mound Site (23PL45) is located in Platte County, Missouri. Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been identified. The one associated funerary object includes a lot of artifacts. Collections from this site were donated to the University of Kansas by the Aker Family in 1988, 2022, and 2024. Records indicate a time period of 900 to 1250 CE based on ceramics analysis.

The Sugar Creek Ossuary Site (23PL58) is located in Platte County, Missouri. Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been identified. The one associated funerary object includes a lot of artifacts. Collections from this site were donated to the University of Kansas by the Aker Family in 1988 and 2022. Records indicate a Steed-Kisker affiliation (900 to 1250 CE).

The Walker Ridge Site (23PL303) is located in Platte County, Missouri. Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been identified. The one associated funerary object includes a lot of artifacts. This site was excavated by R.B. Aker in 1929, who donated his collection to the University of Kansas in 1988. Additional collections from this site were donated by the Aker Family in 2022 and 2024. Records indicate a time period of 900 to 1250 CE based on ceramics analysis.

No hazardous substances are known to have been used on these items.

Cultural Affiliation

Based on the information available and the results of consultation, cultural affiliation is reasonably identified by the geographical location or acquisition history of the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice.

Determinations

The University of Kansas has determined that:

• The human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of four individuals of Native American ancestry.
• The four objects described in this notice are reasonably believed to have been placed intentionally with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony.
• There is a connection between the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Kaw Nation, Oklahoma; and the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. ( printed page 40078)

Requests for Repatriation

Written requests for repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified in this notice under ADDRESSES . Requests for repatriation may be submitted by:

1. Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice.

2. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice who shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the requestor is a lineal descendant or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation.

Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after September 17, 2025. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the the University of Kansas must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects are considered a single request and not competing requests. The University of Kansas is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice and any other consulting parties.

Authority: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3003, and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.10.

90 FR 40077