CSU Long Beach Prepares to Return 1960s Dig Remains
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
California State University, Long Beach has finished checking and listing human remains and related items found during a 1960s archaeology dig in Los Angeles County. These remains belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups, and they’re ready to be returned starting April 1, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Repatriation Available April 1, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after April 1, 2026. The notice covers human remains representing at least four individuals and three associated funerary objects recovered from site LAN-192 in Los Angeles County.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not identified who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. Requests should be sent to the authorized representative listed in the notice.
Cultural Affiliation Identified
California State University, Long Beach determined there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains/associated funerary objects and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (previously listed as San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California). That affiliation is the basis for repatriation decisions.
How to Submit a Repatriation Request
Send written requests for repatriation to Miztlayolxochitl Aguilera at California State University Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840, or email [email protected]. Repatriation requests may be submitted by eligible tribes, organizations, or lineal descendants as described in the notice.
Competing or Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing requests for repatriation are received, California State University, Long Beach must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are considered a single request. Repatriation may proceed on or after April 1, 2026 after CSULB resolves any competing claims.
No Payment Required for Repatriation
Repatriation requests involve no exchange of money; the notice describes the action as a return based on respect and care. Eligible requestors may receive the remains and objects without payment.
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