Sonoma State to Repatriate 355 Sacred Native American Artifacts
Published Date: 1/13/2026
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University plans to return 355 special Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and important artifacts, to the tribes connected to them. These items, kept at the university since the late 1970s and 1980s, will start being sent back on or after February 12, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their cultural treasures.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return 355 Native Items
Sonoma State University intends to repatriate 355 cultural items to affiliated Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. The 355 lots include 297 sacred objects and 58 objects of cultural patrimony, and repatriation may occur on or after February 12, 2026.
Affiliation With Bear River Band
Sonoma State University determined there is a reasonable connection between the cultural items and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, California. That determination identifies the Bear River Band as an affiliated group in the repatriation process.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written repatriation request to Sonoma State University if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Competing requests must be resolved by the university, and joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
No Evidence of Hazardous Treatment
Records indicate there is no evidence that the cultural items were treated with hazardous substances. This statement applies to the sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, and the institution that has housed them.
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