UC Davis Returns Hoarded Native Cultural Artifacts Legally
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
UC Davis plans to return five important cultural items—three baskets, some shell money, and a stone tool—to Native American tribes starting January 20, 2026. These items have deep cultural meaning and were collected over 100 years ago. This repatriation respects Native heritage and shows UC Davis’s commitment to doing the right thing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Five Cultural Items To Be Returned
UC Davis intends to return five cultural items — three baskets, one lot of 13 pieces of dentalium shell money, and one chert flake tool — that it determined have a cultural affiliation with the Wiyot Tribe. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Possible Berlou Treatment; Handling Risk
UC Davis records note that about one-third of the Merriam collection was treated with Berlou, a dry mothproofing insecticide, in 1964, and it is unknown which baskets were treated. The university states it is unaware of any specific treatment of these five items that would be a hazard, but the possible past use of Berlou could be a potential hazard to people handling the objects.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. UC Davis will resolve competing requests and considers joint requests a single request; repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The Minnesota Historical Society plans to return a sacred pipe bowl and stem to the Ojibwe tribe, as it belongs to a direct descendant. This special repatriation can happen starting January 20, 2026, honoring Native American traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting cultural heritage.