Sonoma University Completes Tribal Inventory
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and artifacts and found they belong to local tribes. Starting April 16, 2025, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage with no cost impact announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Remains and 12,353 Objects Ready for Return
If you are a member or representative of the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria, or the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Sonoma State University has identified a cultural affiliation and the human remains (representing five individuals) and 12,353 associated funerary objects may be repatriated to affiliated tribes on or after April 16, 2025.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to the Sonoma State University representative named in the notice. Requests may be made by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not named that demonstrates cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
Competing or Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing requests for repatriation are received, Sonoma State University must decide which requestor is most appropriate before repatriation. Requests submitted jointly are treated as a single request. Sonoma State University is also responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the tribes and organizations named in the notice.
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Key Dates
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