UC San Diego Returns 176 Sacred Items Collected in 1960s
Published Date: 8/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California San Diego plans to return 176 important cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting September 2, 2026. These items, originally collected in Nevada in the 1960s, have deep cultural meaning and will be repatriated after careful coordination with museums and tribes. This move respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no direct money changes involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
176 Cultural Items Returned to Tribes
The University of California San Diego intends to return 176 cultural items that are objects of cultural patrimony to affiliated Native groups. The notice identifies a cultural affiliation with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California and says repatriation may occur on or after September 2, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. The University of California San Diego must resolve any competing requests and considers joint requests as a single request; repatriation may occur on or after September 2, 2026.
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