Cal State to Return 576 Sacred Items to Native American Tribes Soon
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento is planning to return 576 important cultural items to Native American tribes starting January 15, 2026. These items, collected in the 1960s from Sierra County, include stones, shells, and animal remains. This repatriation respects Native heritage and involves careful consultation, with no costs or delays expected for the tribes involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 576 Cultural Items
California State University, Sacramento intends to repatriate at least 576 cultural items (stones, shells, faunal remains, and related objects) that were collected in the 1960s from Sierra County, CA. The University has determined these items are cultural patrimony affiliated with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California, and repatriation may occur on or after January 15, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not already identified can send a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, California State University, Sacramento must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request, and repatriation may occur on or after January 15, 2026. The notice states consultation will be careful and that no costs or delays are expected for the tribes involved.
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