California University to Return Sacred Items to Native Nation
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Dominguez Hills plans to return three boxes of important Native American cultural items to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. These items, like ancient tools and points found in California, hold special meaning for the tribe. The repatriation can start on or after December 18, 2025, with no costs mentioned for anyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Three Boxes Scheduled for Repatriation
California State University, Dominguez Hills intends to return three boxes of cultural items (lithics and projectile points) that are affiliated with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The repatriation may occur on or after December 18, 2025.
Legal Finding of Cultural Patrimony
CSUDH determined the three boxes meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to the Native American group. CSUDH also identified a cultural affiliation between these items and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, CSUDH must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Human Remains or Hazards Present
The notice states there are no human remains and no known presence of hazardous substances among the three boxes of items. The items come from archaeological sites around Bristol Dry Lake, Broken Egg Mesa, Mojave Sink, Rocky Buttes, Palmdale, and Barstow, CA.
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