Cal Poly to Repatriate Stone and Obsidian Points
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) plans to return three special Native American stone and obsidian points to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation honors Native American culture and will start on or after June 29, 2026. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting and protecting cultural heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Three Native American Points Returned
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) intends to return three cultural items (two stone projectile points and one obsidian projectile point) that it has determined are objects of cultural patrimony. Cal Poly identifies a connection to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California, and repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026. No money will change hands as part of this repatriation.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Cal Poly by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Kent Spiers, Cal Poly, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, or by email to the address listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026.
Documentation and Competing Requests Rules
Provenience and provenance information is limited: two points were reportedly transferred from a retired faculty member without documentation and one point was reportedly found on a trail in San Luis Obispo County, California. If competing requests for the items are received, Cal Poly must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation, and joint requests are treated as a single request. The notice also states there are no known hazardous substances used to treat the items.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-10589 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated before May 9, 2026, for the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by June 12, 2026. This process helps decide which special sites get official recognition, with no cost to the public but a big impact on preserving our heritage.
2026-10592 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated before May 16, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to speak up by June 12, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your input matters!
2026-09876 — Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Denali National Park is setting a clear limit of 160 vehicles per day on the busy part of its main road during the summer visitor season, from just before Memorial Day to shortly after Labor Day. This change helps keep the park fun and peaceful for everyone while handling more visitors. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 17, 2026!
2026-09904 — Notice of Intent To Extend Concession Contracts at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service is extending contracts for businesses at Big South Fork and Fire Island parks to keep visitor services running smoothly. These extensions last until new contracts start or the listed expiration dates, so no service interruptions happen. This means the companies can keep operating without any immediate changes to fees or services.
2026-09517 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to renew its paperwork for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays clear and useful. If you dig into archeology or work with these permits, your feedback by July 13, 2026, can help shape how much paperwork you’ll handle. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10566 — Notice of Inventory Completion: New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY
New York University’s College of Dentistry has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, from at least four ancestors, can be returned to the tribes starting June 29, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact NYU soon—this is a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage with no money involved.
Next: 2026-10568 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
Dominican University of California has finished checking its collection and found one box of ancient plant and soil materials linked to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Starting June 29, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribe. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural objects, with no costs or treatments involved.