Santa Barbara Museum Set to Repatriate Four Native American Ancestors
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking and identifying Native American human remains found in Placer County, CA. These remains belong to at least four individuals and are linked to local Native tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, the museum can return these remains to the tribes, following official requests.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum May Repatriate Remains June 4
If you are a member or lineal descendant of the tribes named in this notice, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History may return human remains that represent at least four Native American individuals on or after June 4, 2026. The museum has determined the remains are affiliated with the Jackson Band of Miwuk Indians; Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Shingle Springs Rancheria, Verona Tract); United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California; Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California (Carson Colony, Dresslerville Colony, Woodfords Community, Stewart Community, & Washoe Ranches); and the Wilton Rancheria, California.
Who Can Request Repatriation
The named Indian Tribes in this notice may submit written requests for repatriation, and any lineal descendant or other Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization may request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. Repatriation requests must be sent to Luke Swetland, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, at 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 or the listed email, and the museum must decide among competing requests before transfer.
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