UCSD Plans Return of 1960s California Stone Tools to Tribes
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California San Diego plans to return 11 ancient stone tools linked to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. These items were originally dug up near Lake Manix, California, back in 1963 and have changed hands a few times since. The repatriation can start on or after April 17, 2026, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
UC San Diego will return 11 stone tools
The University of California San Diego intends to repatriate 11 chipped stone unassociated funerary objects excavated near Lake Manix, San Bernardino County, in January 1963. The items have been identified as culturally affiliated with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2026.
How tribes and descendants may request items
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may send a written request for repatriation to Eva Trujillo, Repatriation Coordinator at the University of California San Diego, and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, UC San Diego will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No hazardous treatments found on items
The University of California San Diego determined there is no presence of any potentially hazardous substances used to treat the 11 cultural items listed for repatriation.
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