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.
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: 2026-10567, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA
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.
Next: 2026-10569, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceremonial headdress to the Metlakatla Indian Community, honoring their cultural heritage. This sacred item, linked to Chief Sidney Campbell, will be repatriated starting June 29, 2026. This respectful act supports Native American traditions without any cost impact to the public.