College Hands Back Ancient Dog Tooth for Native Ceremonies After Decades
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dog Tooth to Two California Tribes
The Los Rios Community College District intends to return one perforated dog tooth (an unassociated funerary object) from Windmiller Mound (CA-SAC-107), Sacramento County, to tribes with a cultural affiliation. LRCCD states there is a connection to the Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California and the Wilton Rancheria, and repatriation may occur on or after January 16, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may send a written request to LRCCD asking for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. LRCCD must decide among competing requests (joint requests are treated as a single request), and repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after January 16, 2026.
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