San Diego University Returns Native Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
San Diego State University has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and over 500 related items found during a 1979 dig in San Diego County. These remains and objects are linked to local tribes and could be returned starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request the return, now’s the time to reach out to SDSU—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation starts Jan 20, 2026
San Diego State University has determined the collection includes the physical remains of 56 Native American individuals and 62 lots of associated funerary objects. Those remains and objects may be repatriated to affiliated Tribes or eligible requestors on or after January 20, 2026; written repatriation requests must be sent to Jaime Lennox at San Diego State University (5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182; email in the notice).
Who may request repatriation
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not identified who shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, SDSU will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Some items show adhesive treatment; hazards unknown
The notice states it is unknown whether potentially hazardous substances were used to treat many of the human remains and associated funerary objects; one portion of ancestral remains is documented as partially soaked with "Elmer's Glue-All" and partially mended with "Scotch Super Strength Adhesive."
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23182, Notice of Inventory Completion: David A. Fredrickson Archaeological Collections Facility at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and artifacts and found they belong to local tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This means important cultural treasures will soon go back home, honoring Native communities and their history.
Next: 2025-23184, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA plans to return a special Hawaiian feather cape to Native Hawaiian groups starting January 20, 2026. This sacred object was gifted to the museum over a century ago, but now it’s clear it belongs back with its original cultural community. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native traditions and history.