Stanford Preps to Return Tribal Funerary Objects Under NAGPRA
Published Date: 8/3/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Stanford University intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Stanford to Repatriate 14 Cultural Lots
Stanford University intends to repatriate 14 lots of unassociated funerary objects that are culturally affiliated with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The items include lithics, a mortar, beads, bone implements, pendants, and obsidian from Richardson Bay, Nicasio, San Rafael, and Strawberry Point; repatriation may occur on or after September 2, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative (Laura Jones at Stanford University) and repatriation may occur on or after September 2, 2026; joint requests are treated as a single request and competing requests require Stanford to choose the most appropriate requestor.
Stanford's Determination and Ancestors' Status
Stanford determined the 14 lots are unassociated funerary objects connected to Native American death rites and affiliated with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Stanford also states it does not hold the ancestral human remains and that the current location of those Ancestors is unknown.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15700, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Stanford University intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of an object of cultural patrimony and that has a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Next: 2026-15702, Notice of Inventory Completion: Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, Staten Island, NY
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences (SIIAS) has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.