# 2026-06827: Sonoma University Returns Massive 79,000-Item Native Trove to Tribes

2026-06827, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, is a Federal Register notice from Interior Department, National Park Service published 2026-04-09, effective 2026-05-11 (as of 2026-06-08).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-06827
- As of: 2026-06-08
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-06827
- Title: Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Interior Department; National Park Service
- Citation: 91 FR 17995
- Published: 2026-04-09
- Effective: 2026-05-11
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-08

## In one line

Sonoma University Returns Massive 79,000-Item Native Trove to Tribes

## Summary

Sonoma State University is getting ready to return over 79,000 cultural items, like stone tools and shells, to Native American tribes connected to Lake County, California. These treasures have been at the university since the late 1970s and will start going back on or after May 11, 2026. This important step honors Native heritage and respects their cultural history without any cost to the tribes.

## Abstract

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Sonoma State University intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

## Effects PRIA read

- Return of 79,001 Cultural Items: benefit, low. If you are affiliated with the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians or are a lineal descendant, Sonoma State University intends to return 79,001 cultural items (stone tools, shells, faunal bone, and related artifacts) that have been housed at the university. The repatriation may occur on or after May 11…
- Who May Request Repatriation: benefit, low. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization can submit a written request for these cultural items by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are culturally affiliated. Sonoma State University will decide among competing requests and considers joint repatriati…

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## Sources
- [2026-06827 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/09/2026-06827/notice-of-intended-repatriation-sonoma-state-university-rohnert-park-ca)
- [2026-06827 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-09/pdf/2026-06827.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-06826, Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-06826)
- [Next: 2026-06828, Notice of Intended Repatriation: North Carolina State University, Gregg Museum…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-06828)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-06827 (as of 2026-06-08).