Army Corps Plans Massive Return of 550+ Native Artifacts to California Tribes
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in San Francisco plans to return over 550 cultural items, like tools and sacred objects, to Native American tribes connected to Mendocino County, California. This repatriation can start on or after February 6, 2026, and involves items currently held at Sonoma State University. This respectful move helps honor Native heritage and follows important federal laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Mendocino cultural items
If you are a lineal descendant or a member of a tribe connected to Mendocino County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intends to return 679 unassociated funerary objects and 477 sacred objects to affiliated tribes, including a connection to the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California. The items are currently held at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA and San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA, and repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request showing a preponderance of the evidence to Ruzel Benedicto Ednalino at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District (450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102) or the provided email address.
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