Cal State Sacramento Tracks Down Missing Native Relics
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento has finished checking its collection of Native American funerary objects and found they belong to certain Indian Tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes. Some objects are still missing, and the university is working to find them, but no money changes hands in this process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Eligible Starting Jan 15, 2026
Nine associated funerary objects have been identified and may be returned starting on or after January 15, 2026. Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any of the named Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, by a lineal descendant, or by another tribe/organization or descendant that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, California State University, Sacramento must decide the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests count as a single request.
Some Objects Missing; Search Ongoing
At least six of the nine associated funerary objects are currently missing, and California State University, Sacramento is continuing to look for them. Because those items are missing, they may not be immediately available for repatriation on or after January 15, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22905 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Indianapolis Museum of Art, Inc. D.B.A. Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Museum of Art, also known as Newfields, plans to return 19 important cultural items—six abalone pendants and 13 projectile points—to Native American tribes starting January 15, 2026. These items were collected long ago from California and now will be respectfully sent back to their rightful communities. This move honors Native American heritage and follows federal law, with no money involved.
Next: 2025-22907 — Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Tonto National Forest, Phoenix, AZ
The Tonto National Forest in Arizona has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains and some pottery can be returned to the tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or deadlines beyond that date.