Berkeley Plans Return of Century-Old Tribal Items
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 69 important cultural items, like baskets and cradles, to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting August 21, 2026. These items were collected over 100 years ago and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation honors the tribes’ heritage and respects their connection to these objects.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
UC Berkeley to Return 69 Cultural Items
The University of California, Berkeley intends to return 69 cultural items that it has determined are objects of cultural patrimony to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The University states these items have ongoing cultural importance and identifies a connection between the items and the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians of California.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in this notice 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. If competing requests are received, the University must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
Potentially Hazardous Preservation Treatments
The notice states that collections and collection spaces at the Hearst Museum were treated with substances for preservation and pest control, some potentially hazardous, and that no records have been found indicating whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960. This is disclosed in the context of the items being repatriated.
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