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 DOE-ID, 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

In 2022, Native American human remains were identified in situ at an archaeological site, which is located in the “Embayments” area on Idaho National Laboratory Site lands, during site monitoring. In 2024, Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office initiated consultation with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to determine if other items previously collected within the site boundary, and more specifically, proximate to the human remains, were cultural items as defined in 43 CFR 10.2. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Heritage Tribal Office and Fort Hall Business Council members met at the Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello, Idaho on February 28, 2025, and determined 32 items collected are associated funerary objects under NAGPRA. The 32 associated funerary objects include 28 black obsidian biface tools and four arrow shafts. The associated funerary objects were collected in 1970, 2012, and 2014.

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 associated funerary objects described in this notice.

Determinations

The DOE-ID has determined that:

• The 32 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 associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation.

Requests for Repatriation

Written requests for repatriation of the 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: ( printed page 46137)

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 associated funerary objects described in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after August 21, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the DOE-ID must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the associated funerary objects are considered a single request and not competing requests. The DOE-ID 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.

91 FR 46136