UC Davis Plans Return of Three Sacred Baskets to California Tribes
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
UC Davis plans to return three special Native American baskets to the tribes connected to them, starting June 11, 2026. These baskets are important cultural items linked to the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe tribes. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure everything is safe and respectful.
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UC Davis to return three tribal baskets
The University of California, Davis intends to repatriate three objects of cultural patrimony (two baskets and one basket fragment: CHM 71, CHM 72, and CHM 1268) that are affiliated with the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe communities and have a connection to the Blue Lake Rancheria. The repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026.
Who may request repatriation and deadline
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for these items to UC Davis and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after June 11, 2026, and UC Davis will decide among competing requests.
Possible pesticide treatment noted
UC Davis reports it is unaware of specific treatments on these items, but museum records show about one-third of the Merriam collection was treated with Berlou, a dry mothproofing insecticide, in 1964; it is unknown which baskets were treated. This information may be relevant to persons who will handle or receive the items.
UC Davis finds affiliation with Blue Lake Rancheria
UC Davis has determined there is a reasonable connection between the three cultural items and the Blue Lake Rancheria, California, based on Native American traditional knowledge and museum records.
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