Cal Fire to Return Ancient Tools to California Tribes
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
Cal Fire plans to return 63 special cultural items, like stone tools and beads, to Native American tribes connected to Mendocino and Sonoma counties. These items were found during surveys in the 1980s and 1990s and will be repatriated starting August 21, 2026. This respectful move helps honor Native heritage without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 63 Native Cultural Items
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) intends to repatriate at least 63 unassociated funerary objects — including projectile points, beads, shell, groundstone, and other stone tools — that were collected from 11 sites in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. The notice identifies a cultural affiliation with the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria, and repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Helen Lopez, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via email to the address listed in the notice; repatriation decisions and resolution of competing requests are the responsibility of Cal Fire, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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