Notice of Intended Repatriation: Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [N7334; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0043223; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000] Notice of Intended Repatriation: Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Franklin Pierce University intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of an unassociated funerary object and that has a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice. DATES: Repatriation of the cultural item in this notice may occur on or after August 14, 2026. ADDRESSES: Send additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural item in this notice to A. Joseph Sarcinella, Drummond Woodsum, 84 Marginal Way, Suite 600, Portland, ME 04101 email asarcinella@dwmlaw.com. 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 Franklin Pierce University, and additional information on the determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in the summary or related records. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. Abstract of Information Available A total of one cultural item has been requested for repatriation. The unassociated funerary object is Conch Shell Wampum (Bergen County, New Jersey). Determinations The Franklin Pierce University has determined that: • The one unassociated funerary objects described in this notice are reasonably believed to have been placed intentionally with or near human remains, and are connected, either at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony of a Native American culture according to the Native American traditional knowledge of a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization. The unassociated funerary objects have been identified by a preponderance of the evidence as related to human remains, specific individuals, or families, or removed from a specific burial site or burial area of an individual or individuals with cultural affiliation to an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization. • There is a connection between the cultural item described in this notice and the Delaware Nation, Oklahoma; Delaware Tribe of Indians; and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin. Requests for Repatriation Additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural item in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified in this notice under ADDRESSES . Requests for repatriation may be submitted by 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 a culturally affiliated Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization. Repatriation of the cultural item in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after August 14, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Franklin Pierce University must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the cultural item are considered a single request and not competing requests. The Franklin Pierce University is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the 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. 3004 and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.9. Dated: July 7, 2026. Melanie O'Brien, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. 2026-14186 Filed 7-14-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-52-P