Caltrans to Repatriate Native Remains from LA Roadsides
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Caltrans District 7 in Los Angeles has finished checking and identifying two sets of Native American human remains found during a highway project. These remains are linked to local tribes and can be returned starting January 15, 2026. If you want to request the remains, you’ll need to contact Caltrans by then—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting Jan 15, 2026
Caltrans District 7 says the identified Native American human remains can be returned to claimants on or after January 15, 2026. If you represent a requesting party, you must contact Caltrans to request repatriation starting on that date.
Affiliation Identified: Santa Ynez Chumash
Caltrans determined there is a cultural affiliation between the two individuals and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California. That identification is the stated basis for repatriation consideration.
Who May Request Repatriation and How
Written repatriation requests must be sent to Caltrans District 7 (Caprice Harper, 100 Main Street, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012, email [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by the tribes identified in the notice, any lineal descendant, or another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it is affiliated. If competing requests are received, Caltrans will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22912, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum, Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum plans to return 306 Native American cultural items, like tools and sacred objects, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after January 15, 2026, honoring Native traditions and laws. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Next: 2025-22914, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
UC Davis is planning to return two sets of important cultural items, like seeds and soil samples, to Native American tribes connected to the Sacramento area. This repatriation can start on or after January 15, 2026. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these items go back to the right people with care and respect.