University to repatriate whopping 79,000 Native American artifacts
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University is getting ready to return over 79,000 important Native American cultural items to the tribes connected to them. These items, like stone tools and shells, were collected from sites near Lake County, California, and have been kept at the university since the late 1970s. The repatriation can start on or after May 11, 2026, helping honor Native heritage and strengthen community ties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sonoma State to Repatriate 79,001 Items
If you are a member of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Sonoma State University intends to return 79,001 cultural items (for example, flaked and ground stone tools, shells, faunal bone, and debitage) that were removed from sites in Lake County, California. The university determined these items are objects of cultural patrimony with a cultural affiliation to the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, and repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
Others May Request Repatriation
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations not named in the notice may submit additional written requests for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send requests to Kirsten Twork, Sonoma State University, 1801 E Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928; repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026. If competing requests are received, Sonoma State University must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Evidence of Hazardous Treatment
Records for the Sonoma State University collections show no evidence that the 79,001 cultural items were treated with hazardous substances. This means the items identified for repatriation do not have documented hazardous contamination according to the institution's records.
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: 2026-06826 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and special objects found during road work in Petaluma, California. These remains and items belong to local tribes and can be returned starting May 11, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural treasures to the right Native groups, with no money involved but lots of respect and care.
Next: 2026-06828 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: North Carolina State University, Gregg Museum of Art & Design, Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University's Gregg Museum is planning to return six sacred Hawaiian cultural items to Native Hawaiian groups starting May 11, 2026. These special bark cloths, donated decades ago, are recognized as important sacred objects and will be respectfully repatriated. This move honors Native Hawaiian heritage and follows careful consultation, with no costs or hazards involved.