Cal State Sacramento to Repatriate Ancient Groundstones to Tribes
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
California State University, Sacramento is planning to return six important Native American cultural items to the tribes they belong to, starting May 18, 2026. These items, like groundstones and flaked stones, were collected decades ago and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps preserve history without any cost impact to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University Intends to Repatriate Six Items
California State University, Sacramento intends to repatriate at least six cultural items (groundstones, flaked stones, and unmodified stones; accession 81-494) that the university says are cultural patrimony. The university found a connection between those items and the Wilton Rancheria, and repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative at California State University, Sacramento, and repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026; if competing requests are received, the university will determine the most appropriate requestor and joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Cost Impact to the Public
The notice states the repatriation respects Native traditions and helps preserve history without any cost impact to the public. The university and the National Park Service identify this action as part of NAGPRA responsibilities and do not assign public costs in this notice.
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