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.
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.
2026-16388, 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.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 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 comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13335, Notice of Inventory Completion: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Eastern Washington University has finished checking and identifying some ancient human remains found in Okanogan County, WA. These remains are linked to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Starting August 3, 2026, the university can return these remains to the tribes, honoring their history and culture.
Next: 2026-13348, Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designation of Chone Killers
The U.S. government has officially labeled the Chone Killers gang as a global terrorist threat. This means their assets can be frozen, and Americans are banned from doing business with them starting immediately. This move helps protect U.S. security and stops the gang from moving money or resources freely.