Angel Island's hidden Native remains get repatriation nod
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items found at Angel Island. These remains and objects are linked to local tribes and will be returned starting August 31, 2026. This important step respects Native heritage and follows the law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Remains Begins August 31, 2026
If you represent a tribe or are a lineal descendant, the California Department of Parks and Recreation will return Native American human remains (representing 18 individuals) and 1,853 lots of associated funerary objects found at Angel Island and other Marin County sites. Repatriation may occur on or after August 31, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation and How
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe not named who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are affiliated. Send requests to Dr. Leslie L. Hartzell, NAGPRA Coordinator, California Department of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001, or email [email protected].
Cultural Affiliation Identified to Graton Rancheria
The Department determined a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Coast Miwok of Marin County). This affiliation supports repatriation to that tribal community.
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