Notice2026-11241

Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA

Primary source

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Published
June 4, 2026

Issuing agencies

Interior DepartmentNational Park Service

Abstract

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Sonoma State University 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.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33737-33738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11241]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[N7202; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0042934; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert 
Park, 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), Sonoma State University has completed an 
inventory of associated funerary objects and has determined that there 
is a cultural affiliation between the associated funerary objects and 
Indian

[[Page 33738]]

Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

DATES: Repatriation of the associated funerary objects in this notice 
may occur on or after July 6, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Send written requests for repatriation of the associated 
funerary objects in this notice to Kirsten Twork, Sonoma State 
University, 1801 E Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c383b233e27270c3f232223212d62292839"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2357544c51484863504c4d4c4e420d464756">[email&#160;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 
Sonoma State University, 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

    Based on the information available a total of 35 associated 
funerary objects were identified.
    A total of 28 associated funerary objects were removed from CA-LAK-
270/H located west of Chalk Mountain near Spring Valley in Lake County, 
California. Paperwork documenting why the material was removed from the 
site was not located. The associated funerary objects are modified 
shell, abalone, modified obsidian, groundstone tools, faunal bone, 
modified glass scrappers, and a historic button. The cultural material 
has been at the university since 1976.
    A total of two associated funerary objects were removed from CA-
LAK-301 located west of the Benmore Canyon, south of Spring Valley in 
Lake County, California. Paperwork documenting why the material was 
removed from the site was not located. The associated funerary objects 
are modified obsidian. The material has been at the university since 
1976.
    A total of two associated funerary objects were removed from CA-
LAK-303 located west of Chalk Mountain near Spring Valley in Lake 
County, California. Paperwork documenting why the material was removed 
from the site was not located. The associated funerary objects are 
modified obsidian. The material has been at the university since 1976.
    A total of three associated funerary objects were removed from CA-
LAK-731 located west of the Benmore Canyon, south of Spring Valley in 
Lake County, California. Paperwork documenting why the material was 
removed from the site was not located. The associated funerary objects 
are modified obsidian. The material has been at the university since 
1976.
    In the case of missing cultural items, any additional items when 
located will also be repatriated from the collections discussed above. 
Based on records concerning the associated funerary objects and the 
institution in which they are housed, there is no evidence of the 
ancestors or items being treated with 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 associated funerary objects 
described in this notice.

Determinations

    Sonoma State University has determined that:
    <bullet> The 35 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 associated funerary 
objects described in this notice and the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun 
Indians of the Colusa Indian Community of the Colusa Rancheria, 
California; Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation of the Cortina Rancheria 
(previously listed as Kletsel Dehe Band of Wintun Indians); and the 
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, California.

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:
    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 associated funerary objects described in this 
notice to a requestor may occur on or after July 6, 2026. If competing 
requests for repatriation are received, Sonoma State University 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. Sonoma State 
University 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: May 29, 2026.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2026-11241 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P


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Indexed from Federal Register on June 4, 2026.

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