UC Davis to Hand Back Historic Native American Basket to Tribes
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
UC Davis plans to return a special basket to Native American tribes connected to it, starting June 11, 2026. This basket, bought decades ago from a weaver in California, is an important cultural treasure. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure the handoff is smooth and respectful.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
UC Davis will repatriate a basket
The University of California, Davis intends to return one basket that it has identified as an object of cultural patrimony. The repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026, and UC Davis will send this notice to the identified Indian Tribes and consulting parties.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for the basket if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Megon Noble, Repatriation Coordinator, University of California, Davis, 251 Mrak Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, or by email to [email protected].
UC Davis finds tribal affiliation
UC Davis determined there is a reasonable connection between the basket and the Blue Lake Rancheria, California, based on Native American traditional knowledge. The University identified the item as culturally important to that Native American group.
Records note possible 1964 pesticide treatment
UC Davis records indicate about one-third of the Merriam collection was treated with Berlou, a dry mothproofing insecticide, in 1964, but it is unknown which baskets were treated. The University is unaware of specific treatment of this individual basket, and records note such treatments could represent a potential hazard to objects or to people handling them.
Competing and joint request rules
If multiple parties request the basket, UC Davis must decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests made jointly are treated as a single request and not competing requests.
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