California Parks Repatriates 140 Ancient Tools and Beads
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The California Department of Parks and Recreation plans to return 140 cultural items, including stone tools, pottery, and shell beads, to Native American tribes starting April 1, 2026. These items were collected from various Southern California sites between 1928 and 1979. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and strengthens cultural connections without any cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
140 Cultural Items To Be Returned
The California Department of Parks and Recreation intends to return 140 cultural items — including flaked stone tools, groundstone, pottery, shell beads, and other artifacts — that were collected from Southern California sites between 1928 and 1979. The repatriation may occur on or after April 1, 2026.
Tribal Affiliation Identified
The California Department of Parks and Recreation determined there is a cultural affiliation between the listed cultural items and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (previously listed as San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California).
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation to the identified CDPR contact if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Leslie L. Hartzell at the address or email in the notice.
Competing Requests and Joint Claims
If competing repatriation requests are received, CDPR must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single (non-competing) request. Repatriation may occur on or after April 1, 2026.
No Cost to Public Noted
The repatriation is described as honoring Native American heritage and strengthening cultural connections without any cost to the public. Repatriation may occur on or after April 1, 2026.
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