University Catalogs Ancestral Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Chico has finished checking and identifying three Native American human remains linked to the Karuk Tribe from Siskiyou County. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe or eligible descendants. If you want to request the return, you need to send a written request to Chico State by then.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Three Native Remains Linked to Karuk
California State University, Chico identified human remains representing at least three Native American individuals from Siskiyou County and determined a cultural affiliation with the Karuk Tribe. Those remains may be repatriated (returned) on or after January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
If you are the Karuk Tribe, a lineal descendant, or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that can show by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation, you may submit a written request for repatriation. Send requests to Michelle Hansen, Chico State, 400 West First Street, Chico, CA 95929, or the listed email; Chico State will decide between competing requests and joint requests count as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
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