NAGPRA Inventory Completion Notice: California State University, Chico

FR: Interior Department

Published March 27th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The National Park Service published a notice regarding the completion of an inventory by California State University, Chico, under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The notice identifies two associated funerary objects and a cultural affiliation with the Karuk Tribe. Repatriation may occur after April 27, 2026.

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What changed

The National Park Service, on behalf of California State University, Chico, has issued a notice of inventory completion for two associated funerary objects. These objects, originating from Siskiyou County, have been determined to have a cultural affiliation with the Karuk Tribe, based on consultation and geographical origin. This notice fulfills administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA.

Repatriation of these funerary objects may commence on or after April 27, 2026. Interested parties, including lineal descendants or identified Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, can submit written requests for repatriation to the designated representative at California State University, Chico. The notice specifies that competing requests may be subject to further procedures.

What to do next

Review inventory and cultural affiliation determinations for any potential claims.
Submit written requests for repatriation by April 27, 2026, if applicable.

Source document (simplified)

Notice

Notice of Inventory Completion: California State University, Chico, Chico, CA

A Notice by the National Park Service on 03/27/2026

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Public Inspection Published Document: 2026-05965 (91 FR 14878) Document Headings ###### Department of the Interior

National Park Service

[N7019; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0042477; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]

AGENCY:

National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), California State University, Chico (Chico State) has completed an inventory of associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

DATES:

Repatriation of the associated funerary objects in this notice may occur on or after April 27, 2026.

ADDRESSES:

Send written requests for repatriation of the associated funerary objects in this notice to Michelle Hansen, Chico State, 400 West First Street, Chico, CA 95929, email mcampbell19@csuchico.edu.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of Chico State, and additional information on the determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in its inventory or related records. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.

Abstract of Information Available

The two associated funerary objects are one lot of modified obsidian pieces and one lot of shells. The associated funerary objects originate from Siskiyou County. The associated funerary objects were located with human remains also originating from Siskiyou County who were previously determined to be of the Karuk Tribe and currently being repatriated. ( printed page 14879)

The University is unaware of any treatment of the associated funerary objects listed above with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that represent a potential hazard to the objects or to persons handling the objects.

Cultural Affiliation

Based on the information available and the results of consultation, cultural affiliation is reasonably identified by the geographical location or acquisition history of the associated funerary objects described in this notice.

Determinations

Chico State has determined that:

The two lots of objects described in this notice are reasonably believed to have been placed intentionally with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony.
There is a connection between the associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Karuk Tribe.

Requests for Repatriation

Written requests for repatriation of the associated funerary objects in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified in this notice under ADDRESSES. Requests for repatriation may be submitted by:

Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice.
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice who shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the requestor is a lineal descendant or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with cultural affiliation.

Repatriation of the associated funerary objects described in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after April 27, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, Chico State must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the associated funerary objects are considered a single request and not competing requests. Chico State is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice and any other consulting parties.

Authority: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3003, and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.10.

Dated: March 20, 2026.

Melanie O'Brien,

Manager, National NAGPRA Program.

[FR Doc. 2026-05965 Filed 3-26-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4312-52-P

Published Document: 2026-05965 (91 FR 14878)