SDSU to Return 750 Ancient Tribal Artifacts Unearthed in 1980
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Notice
Summary
San Diego State University has finished checking and listing over 750 ancient items linked to Native American tribes from a 1980 excavation in San Diego County. These special objects can be returned to the tribes starting December 18, 2025. If you want to request the return, contact SDSU soon—this is a big step in honoring Native heritage with no cost involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
750+ Associated Funerary Objects Identified
San Diego State University completed an inventory of seven lots totaling approximately 750+ associated funerary objects from site CA-SDI-5612 (San Dieguito Estates) collected in 1980. SDSU determined these objects are culturally affiliated with the named Indian tribes listed in the notice and repatriation may occur on or after December 18, 2025. The notice names multiple tribal groups including the Campo Band of Diegueno Mission Indians; Capitan Grande Band of Diegueno Mission Indians (Barona and Viejas groups); 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.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Jaime Lennox at San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182 (email as listed in the notice). Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice or by any lineal descendant, tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, SDSU will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Treatment History of Objects Unknown
The notice states it is unknown whether any potentially hazardous substances were used to treat the associated funerary objects. This means the treatment history for the collection is unclear for parties that may receive or handle the objects.
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