UC Riverside Returns 1984 Dig's Native Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 4/4/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Riverside has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found during a 1984 dig near Wildomar, CA. These remains and objects are linked to local Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian groups and can be returned starting May 5, 2025. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors’ belongings, with no money involved but lots of respect and care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
10 individuals and 94 objects affiliated
The University of California, Riverside determined the human remains represent the physical remains of 10 Native American individuals and that 94 associated funerary objects are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near those remains. The University determined there is a connection to the Pechanga Band of Indians.
Repatriation can begin May 5, 2025
You or your tribe may request the return of the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice starting on or after May 5, 2025. Requests submitted before that date will not trigger repatriation until on or after May 5, 2025.
Who may request repatriation
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice. Also, any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified may request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated.
How competing repatriation claims are resolved
If competing requests for repatriation are received, the University of California, Riverside must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation occurs. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single (non-competing) request.
Missing objects found after repatriation will be returned
If objects that were listed as missing are located after repatriation occurs, they will be transferred to the tribe as part of the repatriation. This applies to objects specifically noted as missing in the inventory checks.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05810, Notice of Inventory Completion: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Temple University finished checking some very old human remains and special items found in Pennsylvania. They figured out these remains belong to Native American tribes and are ready to return them starting May 5, 2025. This means the university and tribes will work together to give back these important cultural treasures.
Next: 2025-05812, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
The University of California, Riverside plans to return 60 important cultural items to Native American tribes connected to the Riverside area. These items, dug up in 1964 during an archaeology class, include pottery, stones, bones, and more. The repatriation will start on or after May 5, 2025, honoring the tribes' ancestral heritage without any cost impact.