Caltrans to repatriate sacred Native cultural items
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Sacred Objects to Tribes
Caltrans intends to repatriate seven lots (22 catalog entries) of sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony now housed at San Diego State University (accessions SDSU-0187 and SDSU-0190). The items came from sites CA-SDI-4627 and CA-SDI-4783 (excavated in 1985 and 1979) and are affiliated with the Campo Band, Capitan Grande Band (Barona and Viejas groups), Ewiiaapaayp, Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, Inaja Band, Jamul Indian Village, La Posta Band, Manzanita Band, Mesa Grande Band, San Pasqual Band, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
How Others May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named may submit a written request showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Repatriation may occur on or after August 31, 2026; Caltrans will choose among competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request.
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