Berkeley Plans Return of Sacred Native Items
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Sacred Native Items
The University of California, Berkeley intends to return three cultural items — two sacred objects (including an olla and a basket) and one object of cultural patrimony (a basket) — to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations. The University says these items have a cultural affiliation with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the University must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
Potential Hazardous Treatment Noted
The notice states that some collections and spaces at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology were treated with preservation or pest-control substances, some potentially hazardous, and that no records have been found to indicate whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960. This information may be relevant to parties handling repatriated items.
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