Federal Register #2026-17172

Notice of Intended Disposition of Unassociated Funerary Objects at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This notice from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park addresses the intended disposition of 164 unassociated funerary objects found on Federal or Tribal lands. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg, Tennessee) - Items for Disposition: - 1 large chert blade - 148 lithic flakes - 1 small mammal radius - 5 pottery sherds - 1 ground stone - 6 ceramic daubs - 2 pieces of red ochre/hematite - Context: - Objects were discovered during trenching activities in Sevier County, TN - Identified as cultural items through Tribal consultation - Disposition Process: - Items will be offered to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations - Priority given to Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians - Claims must be submitted to the Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Notable Requirements: - No OEMs or vendors involved; this is a cultural item disposition under NAGPRA, not a procurement opportunity - Disposition governed by Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Description

The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park intends to carry out the disposition of 164 unassociated funerary objects removed from Federal or Tribal lands. These items include lithic flakes, pottery sherds, and other cultural artifacts believed to be associated with Native American cultures. Disposition will be made to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations with priority given to the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Claims for disposition must be received by August 24, 2027, and disposition may occur on or after September 23, 2026.

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