SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The ( printed page 46152) determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the WSWM, 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, 652 individuals have been identified. The 559 associated funerary objects are 16 lots shell beads, one shell atlatl weight, four shells, two lots conch shell, four perforated shells, seven faunal tooth pendants, six bone atlatl pieces, three bone spatulas, four antler projectile points, two antler flakers, 41 bone awls, one bone flaker, three bone tubes, three bone drifts, 232 lots faunal, 16 modified bones, six bone projectile points, six turtle carapaces, one lot sherds, two sherds, two ceramic jars, two bannerstones, four bifaces, three axes, one celt, two hammerstones, one grinding stone, one polishing stone, two lots drills, two drills, four knives, 21 pestles, two lots cannel coal, two spear points, 24 lithic projectile points, 59 stones, 17 scrapers, one lot stone rings, 27 modified lithics, one lot botanics, five drilled human teeth, 14 dogs and two lots soil. Site 15McL11, the Ward Site (aka the Cypress Creek Site) in McLean County, Kentucky was excavated in 1938 by University of Kentucky archaeologists under contract to the Works Progress Administration. No known hazardous substances are present.

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 WSWM has determined that:

• The human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of 652 individuals of Native American ancestry.
• The 559 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 Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Shawnee Tribe; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.

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 August 21, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the WSWM 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 WSWM 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 46151