San Diego University Returns Ancient Native American Relics to Tribes
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
San Diego State University and the San Diego County Department of Public Works have finished checking and listing Native American human remains and over 1,100 related items found in San Diego. These remains and objects are linked to local Native tribes and can be returned starting December 18, 2025. If you want to request repatriation, contact SDSU soon to help honor these cultural treasures.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Named Tribes Can Request Repatriation
San Diego State University and the San Diego County Department of Public Works say the human remains and about 1,160 associated funerary objects from site CA‑SDI‑215 (San Elijo Lagoon) are culturally affiliated with specific local tribes. The notice names the Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; Capitan Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians (Barona Group and Viejas Group); Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians; Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel; Inaja Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; Jamul Indian Village; La Posta Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; Manzanita Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; Mesa Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; San Pasqual Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. These named Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests to SDSU for repatriation on or after December 18, 2025.
Repatriation Eligibility and Request Rules
Written repatriation requests must be sent to the authorized SDSU contact and may be submitted by (1) any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or (2) any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. If competing requests are received, SDSU must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
Unknown Presence of Hazardous Treatments
The notice states it is unknown whether any potentially hazardous substances were used to treat the associated funerary objects or the human remains. Those handling or receiving the items may need to consider potential safety precautions.
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Trinity University and the University of Texas labs updated their list of Native American tribes connected to certain human remains and artifacts. This change means these items can be returned to the right tribes starting December 18, 2025. No money is involved, but the update helps make sure the repatriation is done respectfully and correctly.
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