Santa Barbara Collection Moves Toward Return to Tribal Communities
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Santa Barbara found Native American human remains from San Luis Obispo County and confirmed they belong to local tribes. Starting November 23, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This process helps honor Native cultures and follows important laws protecting their heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation requests allowed starting Nov 23, 2026
You can ask for the return of the human remains described in this notice starting on November 23, 2026. Written requests may be sent to Hugh Radde, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, or by email to [email protected]. Eligible requestors include the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, any lineal descendant, or any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
UCSB finds remains affiliated with Santa Ynez Chumash
The University of California, Santa Barbara determined the human remains (Accession 763.SLO47) represent at least one Native American individual recovered from CA-SLO-47 in San Luis Obispo County (near Cave Landing). UCSB identified a cultural affiliation with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation and noted there are no associated funerary objects.
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