Pipeline Dig Yields Tribal Treasures: University Preps Return of Ancestral Finds
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University has finished checking and listing special Native American items found during a pipeline project in California. These items, linked to local tribes, have been stored since 1992 and are now ready to be returned starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request these items, contact the university soon to make it happen!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 182 Native American Items
Sonoma State University has finished an inventory of 182 lots of associated funerary objects (125 lots from CA-COL-197/H near Arbuckle and 57 lots from CA-COL-198/H near Maxwell) that have been held since 1992. The university says these items are culturally affiliated with the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community of the Cortina Rancheria, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026, and requests must be sent to Kirsten Twork at Sonoma State University.
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: 2025-23201, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Museum of Science, Boston, Boston, MA
The Museum of Science in Boston plans to return six sacred wooden weapons to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting January 20, 2026. These special items were donated decades ago without clear history, but now they’re being sent back to honor their cultural importance. This repatriation respects Native traditions and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing.
Next: 2025-23203, Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University has finished checking 74 groups of Native American funerary objects and found they belong to local tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they’re connected to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the university soon to make it happen!