Sacramento University Plans Return of Ancient Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento is planning to return two important cultural items—faunal remains and a modified shell—to Native American tribes connected to Sacramento County. This repatriation will start on or after January 16, 2026. If you want to learn more or get involved, you can contact the university before then!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return Two Cultural Items
If you represent a Native American tribe or are a lineal descendant, California State University, Sacramento intends to return two objects of cultural patrimony: one lot of faunal remains (accession 81-488) and one modified shell (1974-30-80), both associated with Sacramento County.
Wilton Rancheria Identified as Affiliate
The California State University, Sacramento has determined there is a connection between the described cultural items and the Wilton Rancheria, California; that tribe is identified as culturally affiliated with the items.
Repatriation Date Available
Repatriation of the items may occur on or after January 16, 2026. If you want to be involved or submit a claim, you should contact the university before that date.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
You can submit a written request for the items if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence you are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests arrive, the university must determine 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: 2025-23028, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento is planning to return a special coiled gathering basket to the Miwok and Washoe tribes because it holds important cultural meaning. This repatriation could happen starting January 16, 2026. If you want to learn more or ask questions, you can contact the university before then.
Next: 2025-23030, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Los Rios Community College District, Sacramento, CA
Los Rios Community College District in Sacramento plans to return a special Native American cultural item—a dog tooth found at an ancient burial site—to the rightful tribes. This repatriation will happen on or after January 16, 2026. It’s a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs mentioned for the public.