University Repatriates Obsidian Points to Karuk Tribe's Heritage
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
California State University, Chico is planning to return sacred cultural items, like glass fragments and obsidian points, to the Karuk Tribe starting April 15, 2026. These items were found in Siskiyou County back in 1978 and are important for Native American religious traditions. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and helps keep their culture alive.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
CSU Chico to Return Sacred Items
The California State University, Chico intends to return a lot of sacred objects — glass fragments and a group of obsidian projectile points/fragments (accession no. 156) — to the Karuk Tribe. These items were recovered from a site in Siskiyou County in 1978, and repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice 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 the authorized representative at California State University, Chico (Michelle Hansen, 400 W 1st Street, Chico, CA 95929), and if competing requests are received the university will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
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