UC Berkeley to Repatriate 36 Cultural Items
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 36 groups of important cultural items to Native American tribes connected to the Indian Wells area in California. These items, like stone tools and pottery pieces, have deep cultural meaning and will be repatriated starting August 7, 2026. This respectful move helps honor Native traditions and history without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 36 Cultural Lots
The University of California, Berkeley intends to return 36 lots of objects of cultural patrimony (worked stone, faunal remains, and ceramic fragments) associated with the Indian Wells area (CA-RIV-64). The University has determined there is a reasonable connection between these items and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and repatriation may occur on or after August 7, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations not identified in the notice may submit written requests for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the University contact listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after August 7, 2026.
Possible Hazardous Preservation Treatments
The notice states that collections and spaces at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum were treated with substances for preservation and pest control, and that some treatments may be potentially hazardous. The Museum found no records indicating whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960.
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