California University Hands Back Stolen Native Artifacts Finally
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
California State University, Stanislaus plans to return three important cultural items called obsidian hydration slides to Native American tribes connected to Yuba County, California. This repatriation can start on or after January 20, 2026, and shows respect for Native traditions by giving back what belongs to them. The university is also looking for more items from the same site to return in the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Three Obsidian Slides Returned to Tribes
California State University, Stanislaus intends to return three obsidian hydration slides (objects of cultural patrimony) removed in 1998 from site CA‑YUB‑1609/H in Yuba County, California. The items are currently held at California State University, Sonoma and are affiliated with the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California and the Wilton Rancheria. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Process
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (including groups not named in this notice) may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, California State University, Stanislaus must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Requests may be submitted to the authorized representative listed in the notice.
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