Cal State to Repatriate 72 Ancient Stones and Shells to Tribes
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento plans to return 72 special cultural items, like stones and shells, to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation can start on or after February 17, 2026, and involves items found during digs from the 1950s to 1980s in El Dorado County, CA. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to return 72 cultural items
California State University, Sacramento intends to return 72 unassociated funerary objects (modified stones and shells; unmodified stones; quartz crystals; faunal remains; charcoal; soil/ash samples; and historic materials) that were excavated in western El Dorado County, CA during the 1950s–1980s. The university has determined these items have cultural affiliation with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Shingle Springs Rancheria), and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026. No money will change hands as part of this repatriation.
Who may request these items
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Mark R. Wheeler, Senior Advisor to President Luke Wood, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819, email [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the university must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
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