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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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