Sonoma State Offers Unlisted Soil Samples to Tribes
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
Sonoma State University has finished checking its collection and found some soil samples linked to Native American ancestors that weren’t listed before. These items can be returned to the tribes starting August 21, 2026. If you’re part of a tribe or Native Hawaiian group, now’s the time to ask for these important cultural items back!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Repatriation Opportunity Starts
Sonoma State University identified 64,788 lots of associated funerary objects (including multiple lots of soil samples) that are eligible for return. Repatriation of these items may occur on or after August 21, 2026, and requests must be sent to Sonoma State University as listed in the notice.
Federated Indians of Graton Recognized
Sonoma State University determined there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains/associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, California. That identified connection may guide the university’s repatriation decisions for the items listed.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice may request repatriation. Also, any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not named may request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation; Sonoma State University will resolve competing requests and considers joint requests a single request.
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.
2026-18306, 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.
2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14725, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University is planning to return thousands of Native American cultural items, like stones and beads, to the tribes they belong to starting August 21, 2026. These items were found during local construction projects and have been kept at the university for decades. This repatriation respects Native heritage and helps protect important cultural history without affecting ongoing projects.
Next: 2026-14727, Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements; Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is updating its special shipping deals for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. These changes affect businesses using negotiated contracts and could mean new pricing or service options starting soon. The updates were officially filed in mid-July 2026 and aim to keep shipping smooth and competitive.