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.
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13749, Notice of Inventory Completion: Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The Arizona State Museum at the University of Arizona has finished checking its collection and found some Native American human remains linked to local tribes. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important cultural care underway.
Next: 2026-13751, Notice of Inventory Completion: Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO
The Denver Art Museum has finished checking some old pottery pieces linked to Native American tribes from New York. Starting August 7, 2026, these items can be returned to the Haudenosaunee tribes, who are connected to the objects. This is a respectful step to give back important cultural items without any cost or danger involved.