Turtle Bay Park Returns Sacred Baskets to Bear River Tribe
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA, plans to return two sacred Native American items—a basket bowl and a winnowing tray—to the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria and related tribes starting March 25, 2026. This repatriation honors Native traditions and respects cultural heritage, with no costs to the public. If you want to learn more or get involved, you can contact the park directly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Sacred Items Returned
If you are a member of the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria or a related tribe, Turtle Bay Exploration Park intends to return two sacred objects (a medium twined basket bowl and a medium winnowing tray) that TBEP determined are culturally affiliated. The repatriation may occur on or after March 25, 2026 and is being done under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
No Public Cost for Repatriation
The notice states the repatriation honors Native traditions and will occur with no costs to the public. That means taxpayers will not be charged for the return of these items.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for these cultural items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Turtle Bay Exploration Park (contact: Julia Cronin at 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001 or the provided email) and repatriation may occur on or after March 25, 2026; if competing requests arrive, TBEP will decide the most appropriate requestor and joint requests count as a single request.
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