University Returns Ancient Mosaic to Tribes
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Riverside plans to return a special cultural item—a mosaic made from ancient pottery shards—to Native American tribes starting July 6, 2026. This item holds deep cultural meaning and was donated by a family connected to the university’s desert research center. No money changes hands, but this is a respectful step to honor Native heritage and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
UCR intends repatriation to Agua Caliente
The University of California, Riverside has determined a mosaic made from ceramic sherds has a reasonable connection to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and intends to repatriate it. Repatriation may occur on or after July 6, 2026, and no money changes hands for this transfer.
Who may request repatriation and how
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to UCR showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Katelynn Michaelson, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92517-5900, or by email to [email protected]; repatriation may occur on or after July 6, 2026. If competing requests are received, UCR will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
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.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11235 — Notice of Inventory Completion: California State University, Chico, Chico, CA
California State University, Chico has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes in the local area. Starting July 6, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This step respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting Native American graves.
Next: 2026-11237 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plans to return 63 sacred cultural items to Native American tribes connected to nine sites in Northern California. These items, collected during surveys in the 1980s and 1990s, include tools like scrapers and pestles. The repatriation can start on or after July 6, 2026, with no costs to tribes, making this a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.