UC San Diego Prepares to Repatriate Native Human Remains and Objects
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California San Diego has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items, linking them to specific tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. Starting April 17, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to their rightful communities. This important step respects cultural heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
129 Native American remains eligible April 17, 2026
The University of California San Diego has identified human remains for at least 129 individuals and 27 associated funerary objects that are culturally affiliated with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. These remains and objects may be transferred back to affiliated tribes or organizations on or after April 17, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice, any lineal descendant, or any tribe or organization not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the University of California San Diego repatriation coordinator at the address in the notice.
How competing repatriation requests are handled
If more than one request for repatriation is received, the University of California San Diego must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and not competing requests.
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