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 Petersburg National Battlefield, and additional information on the associated funerary objects in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in the related records.

Abstract of Information Available

The four associated funerary objects are white marble grave markers removed from Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. They were created by the U.S. Government's War Department prior to 1933 and marked the graves of John Kennewanche, Company K, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters; and Gazick Maska/Mosca, Nippie Peaches and Joseph Scott who each served in the 38th Wisconsin Infantry. The markers contain the grave number and the soldier's name with raised letters within a recessed shield. The grave markers have been stored within Petersburg National Battlefield since 2017 when new grave markers were installed as a part of the rehabilitation of Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Prior consultations and a completed Programmatic Agreement determined that John Kennewanche had an unknown Michigan tribal affiliation; and that Gazick Maska/Mosca, Nippie Peaches, and Joseph Scott were possibly affiliated with the Chippewa or Menominee.

Determinations

The Petersburg National Battlefield has determined that:

• 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.
• The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michigan; Hannahville Indian Community, Michigan; Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan; Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Michigan; and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Michigan and Indiana have priority for disposition of the associated funerary object described in this notice as representing John Kennewanche of Company K, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters.
• The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin; Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin; and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin have priority for disposition of the three associated funerary objects described in this notice as representing Gazick Maska/Mosca, Nippie Peaches and Joseph Scott of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry.

Claims for Disposition

Written claims for disposition of the associated funerary objects in this notice must be sent to the appropriate official identified in this notice under ADDRESSES . If no claim for disposition is received by August 13, 2027, the associated funerary objects in this notice will become unclaimed associated funerary objects. Claims for disposition may be submitted by:

1. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization identified in this notice.

2. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice who shows that they have priority for disposition.

Disposition of the associated funerary objects in this notice may occur on or after September 14, 2026. If competing claims for disposition are received, the Petersburg National Battlefield must determine the most appropriate claimant prior to disposition. Claims for joint disposition of the associated funerary objects are considered a single claim and not competing claims. The Petersburg National Battlefield is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice and to any other consulting parties.

Authority: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3002, and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.7.

91 FR 52333