Parks Dept to hand back 873 old pots to tribes
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The California Department of Parks and Recreation plans to return 873 cultural items, like pottery and stone tools, to Native American tribes starting September 23, 2026. These items were collected from Antelope Valley over 100 years ago and have changed hands a few times before landing with the department. This repatriation respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
873 Cultural Items Returned to Tribe
If you are part of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the California Department of Parks and Recreation intends to return 873 lots of cultural items (including pottery, stone tools, asphaltum, and other artifacts) that are culturally affiliated with your group. The repatriation may occur on or after September 23, 2026.
Who May Request These Items
You may request repatriation of these cultural items if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization and you show by a preponderance of the evidence that you are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests may be submitted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation and repatriation may occur on or after September 23, 2026.
No Known Hazardous Treatment
The California Department of Parks and Recreation states it has no information that the cultural items were treated with potentially hazardous substances. This applies to the 873 lots described in the notice.
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