College Set to Return Ancient Bones to Tribes
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
Antelope Valley College has finished checking old human bones found at a local archaeological site and confirmed they belong to Native American tribes. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This process helps respect Native American heritage and involves no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Human Remains Linked to San Manuel Nation
Antelope Valley College identified human remains representing at least one individual and a total of eight human bones recovered from the Burnt Peak Pictograph site (CA-LAN-484). AVC determined the remains are Native American and identified a reasonable cultural affiliation with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and consulted with non‑federally recognized California tribes including the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the San Fernando Band of Mission Indians.
Repatriation Eligible After August 7, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains described in this notice may occur on or after August 7, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Darcy L. Wiewall, Antelope Valley College, Department of Anthropology, 3041 W Ave. K, Lancaster, CA 93536 (email: [email protected]); requests may be submitted by the tribes named in the notice or by lineal descendants or other tribes who show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence, and AVC must resolve any competing requests before repatriation.
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