Caltrans Hands Back 29,000 Ancient Items to California Tribes
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
Caltrans in California has finished listing nearly 29,000 ancient Native American items found during a road project in Yolo County. These objects are linked to local tribes, and starting February 6, 2026, they can be officially returned to those tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Inventory: 28,879 Native funerary objects
The California Department of Transportation completed an inventory of 28,879 associated funerary objects recovered from CA‑YOL‑125 in Yolo County. Caltrans determined these objects are culturally affiliated with the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community; Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria; and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
Repatriation eligibility and timing rules
Repatriation of the objects may occur on or after February 6, 2026. Requests for repatriation may be made by any one or more of the named tribes, by a lineal descendant, or by another tribe or organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated; Caltrans must resolve competing requests and considers joint requests as a single request.
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