Caltrans Hands Road-Dug Native Treasures Back to Tribes
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Caltrans finished checking old Native American items found during road work in Sonoma County and confirmed they belong to local tribes. Starting October 9, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes. This helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribal Repatriation Authorized October 9, 2026
Caltrans has identified six associated funerary object lots (soil samples) from five archaeological sites in Sonoma County along State Routes 12 and 116, now housed at Sonoma State University. These items have a cultural affiliation with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and the objects may be returned to tribes on or after October 9, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
If you are a member of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization identified in this notice, you may request repatriation of the objects. You may also request repatriation if you are a lineal descendant or an Indian Tribe/Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice and can show by a preponderance of the evidence that you have a cultural affiliation; repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026.
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