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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-13984 — 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 June 20, 2026, to be officially recognized. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or neighborhoods, now’s your chance to speak up by July 27, 2026. This process helps decide which spots get special protection, with no cost to the public but big benefits for history lovers everywhere!
2026-13255 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms
The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.
2026-12391 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.
2026-12380 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wesleyan University, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Middletown, CT
Wesleyan University plans to return 13 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting July 22, 2026. These special objects, like decorated gourds and stone tools, were once traded between museums but now will go back home. This repatriation respects Native traditions and doesn’t involve any money changes, just honoring heritage.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14164 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Ball State University plans to return a special Potawatomi bandolier bag to Native American tribes starting August 14, 2026. This item is very important to the Potawatomi people and was donated to the university in 2018. The repatriation respects Native American traditions and involves no cost to the public.
Next: 2026-14166 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Skidmore College has finished checking its collection and found human remains and special objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting August 14, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or deadlines beyond the start date for repatriation.