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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
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.