Sonoma State Completes Review of Remains and Tribal Artifacts
Published Date: 6/17/2025
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 July 17, 2025, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or delays for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Eight Native Individuals Identified; Objects Linked
Sonoma State University determined that the collection contains the human remains of eight Native American individuals and 6,073 associated funerary objects recovered from Sonoma County sites. The University found a cultural affiliation between these remains/objects and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
Who Can Request Repatriation and When
Repatriation may occur on or after July 17, 2025. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Doshia Dodd, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, or by email to [email protected]. Any one or more of the Indian Tribes identified in the notice may request repatriation; a lineal descendant or other Tribe/organization not listed may also request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated.
No Evidence of Hazardous Treatment on Items
Records indicate there is no evidence that three lots of the cultural items in the collection were treated with hazardous substances. This reduces safety concerns for handling and transfer of those items during repatriation.
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.
2026-22325, Notice of Intent To Extend and Continue Concession Contracts and Award a Temporary Concession Contract
The National Park Service is extending and continuing some current concession contracts and will award one temporary contract to keep visitor services running smoothly while new contracts are being set up. This means no interruptions for park visitors, and the changes will take effect on specific dates listed by the NPS. These moves don’t guarantee any new contract rights but keep things running without a hitch.
2026-21222, Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Starting November 16, 2026, Denali National Park will officially limit the number of vehicles on the restricted part of Denali Park Road to 160 per day during the busy visitor season (from just before Memorial Day to after Labor Day). This change helps keep the park enjoyable and less crowded for everyone. Visitors planning trips during this time should be ready for this new vehicle cap, but no extra fees are involved.
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.
2026-20013, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11141, Notice of Inventory Completion: Archaeological Survey of Idaho Western Repository, Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, ID
The Archaeological Survey of Idaho Western Repository has finished checking and listing 19 ancient human remains and 26 burial items found in Idaho. These remains are linked to Native American tribes, and starting July 17, 2025, they can be returned to those tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.
Next: 2025-11143, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science plans to return a sacred hair ornament to Native American tribes starting July 17, 2025. This special item, once owned by Buckskin Charley, has a rich history and cultural importance. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure this respectful repatriation happens smoothly and on time.