UC Davis Plans Return of Three Sacred Baskets to California Tribes
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
UC Davis plans to return three special Native American baskets to the tribes connected to them, starting June 11, 2026. These baskets are important cultural items linked to the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe tribes. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure everything is safe and respectful.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
UC Davis to return three tribal baskets
The University of California, Davis intends to repatriate three objects of cultural patrimony (two baskets and one basket fragment: CHM 71, CHM 72, and CHM 1268) that are affiliated with the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe communities and have a connection to the Blue Lake Rancheria. The repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026.
Who may request repatriation and deadline
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for these items to UC Davis and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after June 11, 2026, and UC Davis will decide among competing requests.
Possible pesticide treatment noted
UC Davis reports it is unaware of specific treatments on these items, but museum records show about one-third of the Merriam collection was treated with Berlou, a dry mothproofing insecticide, in 1964; it is unknown which baskets were treated. This information may be relevant to persons who will handle or receive the items.
UC Davis finds affiliation with Blue Lake Rancheria
UC Davis has determined there is a reasonable connection between the three cultural items and the Blue Lake Rancheria, California, based on Native American traditional knowledge and museum records.
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Previous: 2026-09406, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
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.
Next: 2026-09408, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Yale Peabody Museum plans to return eight special Native American stone tools and objects to the tribe they belong to, following a law that protects Native American heritage. These items were collected from Southern California in the late 1800s and will be repatriated starting June 11, 2026. This move respects cultural history and strengthens ties with Native communities, with no costs mentioned.