Sonoma State to Repatriate 74 Sacred Object Lots
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University plans to return 74 lots of sacred Native American cultural items, like stone tools and ceremonial objects, to the tribes connected to them. These items were found during a 1992 road project in El Dorado County, CA, and will be repatriated starting August 3, 2026. This respectful act honors Native traditions and involves no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
74 sacred lots to be returned
Sonoma State University intends to repatriate a total of 74 lots of sacred Native American cultural items (flaked stone tools, debitage, groundstone, projectile points, and historics) that were curated under accession number 92-05. The university has determined these items are sacred/objects of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California and repatriation may occur on or after August 3, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative at Sonoma State University as listed in the notice.
Competing and joint request rules
If competing requests for the items are received, Sonoma State University must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not considered competing requests.
No public cost for repatriation
The notice states the repatriation honors Native traditions and involves no cost to the public. The return of the identified items will proceed without charging the general public.
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