SF State to Return Marin County Native Ancestors to Tribe
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
San Francisco State University has finished checking its collection and found that two Native American ancestors are connected to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribe. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follow important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Native American Ancestors Identified
San Francisco State University identified the physical remains of at least two Native American individuals that it determined are affiliated with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The remains have no associated funerary objects and are believed to have been removed from Tiburon, Marin County, California; they were labeled with tags reading "Marin County, Seacliff Tiburon," "Dr. Hirabayashi," and "Jane Schellenberg."
Repatriation Possible Starting January 2026
The notice states repatriation of the human remains may occur on or after January 20, 2026. The notice also states elsewhere that repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after January 8, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation and Rules
The notice allows repatriation requests from any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice and from any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. If competing requests are received, San Francisco State University must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation, and joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
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