University Returns Historic Corn and Bean Seeds to Tribes
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 24 Native cultural items
The University of California, Berkeley intends to return 24 objects of cultural patrimony (beans, corn and corn cobs, peas, and seeds) that were collected in 1940–1941. The University determined there is a cultural affiliation with the Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico, and repatriation may occur on or after July 6, 2026.
Who can request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the University of California, Berkeley must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Potentially hazardous preservation treatments noted
The notice states that some collections and storage spaces at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology were treated with preservation or pest-control substances and that some of those substances may be potentially hazardous. The Museum has not found records indicating whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960.
No public cost for repatriation
The notice states the repatriation respects Native traditions and will occur without any cost to the public. The University will handle repatriation activities, and the public is not expected to pay for this return of items.
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