UC Riverside Returns Sacred Abalone Shells to Island Tribes
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Riverside plans to return three sacred abalone shells to Native American tribes connected to Santa Catalina Island. These shells hold special spiritual meaning and have been used in ceremonies for generations. The repatriation can start on or after February 17, 2026, with no costs mentioned, just respect and care for cultural heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Return of three sacred abalone shells
The University of California, Riverside intends to return three sacred abalone shells — one large Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens), one large Pink Abalone (Haliotis corrugata), and one small Black Abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) — to culturally affiliated Native American tribes. The shells have a demonstrated cultural affiliation with the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians; Pala Band of Mission Indians; Pauma Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of the Pauma & Yuima Reservation; Pechanga Band of Indians; Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of Rincon Reservation; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians; and the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit an additional written request for repatriation to the University of California, Riverside if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated organization. Requests must be sent to Megan Murphy, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92517-5900, or the email address listed in the notice.
How competing or joint claims are handled
If competing requests for the cultural items are received, the University of California, Riverside must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests submitted jointly are treated as a single request and not as competing requests. Repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026.
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