Oakland Museum Plans Return of Native Items to California Tribes
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Oakland Museum of California plans to return seven special Native American items, like charm stones and an arrow point, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation can start on or after June 29, 2026, and affects tribes connected to Sonoma and Marin Counties. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these cultural treasures go back home respectfully and legally.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Seven Native Items
The Oakland Museum of California intends to return seven Native American unassociated funerary items — five charm stones, one arrow point, and one fishing weight — to affiliated tribes. The items are connected to tribes associated with Sonoma County and Marin County and specifically to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026, and no money will be exchanged as part of the return.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Anna Bunting at the Oakland Museum of California, and requests must show affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the OMCA will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after June 29, 2026.
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