Dominican University Returns Ancient Plant Materials
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
One box found eligible for return
Dominican University of California identified one box of botanical and soil materials as an associated funerary object linked to human burial practices. These items derive from archaeological excavations (site CA-MRN-254) conducted in 1996–1997 and were part of Eric Wohlgemuth's flotation samples that were later deposited at UC Davis.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria affiliation
Dominican University determined there is a cultural affiliation between the identified associated funerary object and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, California. That tribe is explicitly named as the affiliated group in the notice.
Repatriation may occur starting June 29, 2026
Requests to receive the associated funerary object may be made and repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026. Written requests must be sent to the Dominican University of California Archives at the address and email listed in the notice.
Who may request repatriation and how disputes are handled
The notice says repatriation requests may be submitted by the named tribe, by any lineal descendant, or by another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that proves affiliation. If competing requests are received, Dominican University must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No pesticide testing performed on items
Dominican University reported it is unaware of any pesticide, preservative, or other treatment of the box of botanical and soil materials but also stated it has not conducted pesticide testing. This information is provided to potential requestors and handlers.
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