Notice2025-17622
Notice of Inventory Completion: University of California, Santa Barbara, Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections, Santa Barbara, CA
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Published
September 12, 2025
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentNational Park Service
Abstract
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 175 (Friday, September 12, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 175 (Friday, September 12, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44226-44228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-17622]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
[N6511; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0041057; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]
Notice of Inventory Completion: University of California, Santa
Barbara, Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections,
Santa Barbara, CA
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of California, Santa Barbara
(UCSB), Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections has
completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects
and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the
human remains and associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or
Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
DATES: Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary
objects in this notice may occur on or after October 14, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send written requests for repatriation of the human remains
and associated funerary objects in this notice to Hugh Radde,
University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e303f392e2c3f3e0b1d0d1c501b1a0b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96d8d7d1c6c4d7d6e3f5e5f4b8f3f2e3">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 the
UCSB Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections, 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
Human remains representing, at least, 10 individuals have been
identified (Accession 511). The 125 associated funerary objects are
groundstone objects, shellfish remains, animal bones, shell beads,
glass beads, stone beads, fire-affected rock, lithic tools, asphaltum
and other cultural materials removed from this burial site. On an
unknown date, possibly in September 1987, the individuals were removed
from CA-VEN-506 in Ventura County, CA. In 1985, a cemetery was
encountered and excavated by Robert Wlodarski; however, those
individuals were left in place or reburied. Therefore, it is unknown
when or why these additional individuals were removed and brought to
UCSB. It is unknown whether the remains were treated with preservatives
or other potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been
identified (Accession 616). The one associated funerary object is a
single lot of processed material including animal remains, shellfish
remain, asphaltum tools, groundstone, chipped stone, stone beads, shell
beads, ochre, plant remains, charcoal, and other cultural materials
found within the burial site. As of 2025, there are at least 98
cataloged items missing. The individual and associated cultural
materials were removed from CA-VEN-139 in Ventura County, CA. The
collection was excavated by Paul Aiello of Ventura Community College in
1979-1981 as part of an archaeological field class. It is unknown
whether the remains were treated with preservatives or other
potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been
identified (Accession 632). The 59 associated funerary objects are
shell beads, shellfish remains, animal remains, chipped stone,
groundstone, tarring pebbles, and other processed material. The
ancestor and cultural materials were collected from the surface of CA-
VEN-139 in Ventura County, CA by an unknown individual. In April 2000,
the collection was anonymously donated to the Ojai Valley Museum who
then transferred possession to UCSB. It is unknown whether the remains
were treated with preservatives or other potentially hazardous
substances.
Human remains representing, at least, three individuals have been
identified (Accession 248.42). The three associated funerary objects
are one rock, one bird bone, one fish bone. Accession 248.42 was
reportedly removed from Ventura County, CA although the exact location
and date of removal is unknown. On an unknown date after 1983, the
individuals were donated to UCSB. It is unknown whether the remains
were treated with preservatives or other potentially hazardous
substances.
Human remains representing, at least, 12 individuals have been
identified (Accession 248.48-62). The 129 associated funerary objects
are animal remains, shellfish remains, shell beads, unidentified
organic objects, and stone tools. These individuals are believed to
have been removed from CA-VEN-789 in 1988. On an unknown date prior to
1997 they were brought to UCSB. It is unknown whether the remains were
treated with preservatives or other potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, two individuals have been
identified (Accession 248.51). No associated funerary objects are
present. These individuals are believed to have been removed from Ojai,
CA or other parts of Ventura County. On an unknown date, they were
brought to UCSB. There is no associated documentation. It is unknown
whether the remains were treated with preservatives or other
potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been
identified (Accession 576.VEN4). The five associated funerary objects
are animal remains. On an unknown date, the individual was removed from
CA-VEN-4 in Ventura County, CA. At this time, there is no available
documentation regarding the collection history. The individual was
acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura County resident known for collecting
archaeological and cultural materials from various regions, with a
particular focus on Ventura County. Following Mr. Browne's passing, the
remains were donated to UC Santa Barbara in 1995 on his behalf. It is
unknown whether the remains were treated with preservatives or other
potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been
identified (Accession 576.VEN13). No associated funerary objects are
present. On an unknown date, the individual was removed from CA-VEN-13
in Ventura County, CA. At this time, there is no available
documentation regarding the collection history. The individual was
acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura County resident known for collecting
archaeological and cultural materials from various regions, with a
particular focus on Ventura County. Following Mr.
[[Page 44227]]
Browne's passing, the remains were donated to UC Santa Barbara in 1995
on his behalf. It is unknown whether the remains were treated with
preservatives or other potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, one individual has been
identified (Accession 576.VEN58). The eight associated funerary objects
are animal bone, shellfish remains, and a chert core; however, as of
2025, five shell fragments are missing. The individual was removed from
CA-VEN-58 in Ventura County, CA. Roberta Greenwood and R.O. Browne
removed burials from this site in 1962. These individuals are most
likely associated with that project. In 1995 they were donated to UCSB
on behalf of R.O. Browne, who was a resident known for collecting
archaeological and cultural materials from various regions, with a
particular focus on Ventura County. It is unknown whether the remains
were treated with preservatives or other potentially hazardous
substances.
Human remains representing, at least, two individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.VEN150). The 17 associated funerary objects
are stone tools fragments, charcoal, shell, ochre, wood, and clay
fragments; however, as of 2025, 11 objects are missing. The individuals
were removed from CA-VEN-150 in Ventura County, CA. R.O. Browne had a
home located on top of CA-VEN-150. From 1957 to 1963, Browne and
colleagues excavated many portions of the site and removed burials.
These individuals are most likely associated with one of those
projects. In 1995 they were donated to UCSB on behalf of R.O. Browne.
It is unknown whether the remains were treated with preservatives or
other potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, two individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.VEN168). The 38 associated funerary objects
are animal and shellfish remains; however, as of 2025, six objects are
missing. On an unknown date, the individuals were removed from CA-VEN-
168 in Ventura County, CA. At this time, there is no available
documentation regarding the collection history. The individuals were
acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura County resident known for collecting
archaeological and cultural materials from various regions, with a
particular focus on Ventura County. Following Mr. Browne's passing, the
remains were donated to UC Santa Barbara in 1995 on his behalf. It is
unknown whether the remains were treated with preservatives or other
potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, three individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.CL). No associated funerary objects are
present. The individuals were removed from a location referred to as
``Canada Larga'' which is believed to be CA-VEN-58 in Ventura County,
CA. Roberta Greenwood and R.O. Browne removed burials from this site in
1962. These individuals are most likely associated with that project.
In 1995 they were donated to UCSB on behalf of R.O. Browne, who was a
resident known for collecting archaeological and cultural materials
from various regions, with a particular focus on Ventura County. It is
unknown whether the remains were treated with preservatives or other
potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, two individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.B155). The one associated funerary is a
single elasmobranchii centrum. These ancestral remains were removed
from a site believed to have been located in Ventura County,
California. The individuals were acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura
County resident known for collecting archaeological and cultural
materials from various regions, with a particular focus on Ventura
County. Following Mr. Browne's passing, the remains were donated to UC
Santa Barbara in 1995 on his behalf. It is unknown whether the remains
were treated with preservatives or other potentially hazardous
substances.
Human remains representing, at least, four individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.MU). The 92 associated funerary objects are
animal remains, shellfish remains, and soapstone; however, as of 2025,
52 objects are missing. Accession 576.MU is a collection of ancestral
human remains likely removed from a location near Point Mugu in Los
Angeles County, California. Point Mugu (Muwu) is a location in Ventura
County, CA known for several important Chumash historic villages. The
identity of the original collector and the date of removal are unknown.
The individuals were acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura County resident
known for collecting archaeological and cultural materials from various
regions, with a particular focus on Ventura County. Following Mr.
Browne's passing, the remains were donated to UC Santa Barbara in 1995
on his behalf. It is unknown whether the remains were treated with
preservatives or other potentially hazardous substances.
Human remains representing, at least, 24 individuals have been
identified (Accession 576.UNK). The one associated funerary is a single
lot of processed material. The individuals were likely removed from a
location in Ventura County, CA. There is no associated documentation.
The individuals were acquired by R.O. Browne, a Ventura County resident
known for collecting archaeological and cultural materials from various
regions, with a particular focus on Ventura County. Following Mr.
Browne's passing, the remains were donated to UC Santa Barbara in 1995
on his behalf. It is unknown whether the remains were treated with
preservatives or other potentially hazardous substances.
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 human remains and associated
funerary objects described in this notice.
Determinations
The UCSB Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections
has determined that:
<bullet> The human remains described in this notice represent the
physical remains of 69 individuals of Native American ancestry.
<bullet> The 479 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.
<bullet> There is a connection between the human remains and
associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Santa Ynez
Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation,
California.
Requests for Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation of the human remains and
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:
1. Any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian
organizations identified in this notice.
2. 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 human remains and associated funerary objects
described in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after October
14, 2025. If competing requests for repatriation
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are received, the UCSB Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic
Collections must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to
repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the human remains and
associated funerary objects are considered a single request and not
competing requests. The UCSB Repository for Archaeological and
Ethnographic Collections 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: August 29, 2025.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2025-17622 Filed 9-11-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P
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