UC Berkeley Returns Ancient Baskets to Augustine Native Bands
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 14 special Native American items, like baskets and stone tools, to the tribes connected to them. These items were taken from the Augustine Reservation in California over 100 years ago and will be repatriated starting May 11, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American history and culture without any cost impact to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
14 Items To Be Returned to Tribe
If you are a member of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, the University of California, Berkeley intends to return 14 unassociated funerary objects (baskets, worked stone, and a vessel) that were removed in 1907. The repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request to UC Berkeley seeking repatriation of the cultural items. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative and repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Competing Claims Must Be Resolved
If competing requests for the same items are received, the University of California, Berkeley must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests filed jointly are treated as a single request and are not considered competing.
No Public Cost for Repatriation
The notice states the repatriation honors Native American history and culture without any cost impact to the public. You will not incur public charges for the return of these items.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update rules about hunting, trapping, and fishing in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support both state and federal laws. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance access and conservation. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no money changes are expected, just clearer, fairer rules.
2026-09583 — Request for Nominations for the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission
The National Park Service is looking for awesome people to join the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission. If you live in or love the Mount Desert Island area or nearby towns, this is your chance to help shape the park’s future! Send your nomination by June 15, 2026, and get ready to make a difference without any pay but with plenty of pride.
2026-09558 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated for the National Register before May 2, 2026. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to speak up by May 28, 2026. This process helps decide which places get special recognition, but it doesn’t cost you anything to join in!
2026-09407 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
UC Davis plans to return three special Native American baskets to the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe and related groups starting June 11, 2026. These baskets are important cultural items connected to the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe people. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure everything is safe and respectful.
2026-09401 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains linked to certain tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting June 11, 2026. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs or risks to the public.
2026-08948 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before April 18, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by May 21, 2026. This process helps protect important sites without costing you a dime but could impact communities by recognizing their special landmarks.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06811 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
The Field Museum in Chicago plans to return 2,064 cultural items like pottery, tools, and jewelry to Native American tribes from Arizona, especially the Hopi Tribe. This repatriation will start on or after May 11, 2026, following laws that protect Native American heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting and restoring important cultural treasures.
Next: 2026-06813 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS
The Kansas State Historical Society has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items from Kansas and Nebraska. They found remains from seven people and some special artifacts, and these will be returned to the right tribes starting May 11, 2026. If you want to request these items, you can contact the Society soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.