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.
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