Cal State to Repatriate 72 Ancient Stones and Shells to Tribes
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento plans to return 72 special cultural items, like stones and shells, to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation can start on or after February 17, 2026, and involves items found during digs from the 1950s to 1980s in El Dorado County, CA. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to return 72 cultural items
California State University, Sacramento intends to return 72 unassociated funerary objects (modified stones and shells; unmodified stones; quartz crystals; faunal remains; charcoal; soil/ash samples; and historic materials) that were excavated in western El Dorado County, CA during the 1950s–1980s. The university has determined these items have cultural affiliation with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Shingle Springs Rancheria), and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026. No money will change hands as part of this repatriation.
Who may request these items
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Mark R. Wheeler, Senior Advisor to President Luke Wood, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819, email [email protected]. If competing requests are received, the university must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00867, Notice of Inventory Completion: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and special objects found in El Dorado County. These items belong to certain Native tribes and can be returned to them starting February 17, 2026. This process respects Native cultures and helps bring important artifacts back to their rightful communities.
Next: 2026-00869, Notice of Inventory Completion: Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner found five Native American skulls that were bought decades ago and are now ready to be returned to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains can be officially sent back to their tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.