Notice of Intended Repatriation: David A. Fredrickson Archaeological Collections Facility at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA

Issuing agencies

Abstract

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Sonoma State University intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 203 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 203 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66721-66722]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21551]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[N7595; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0044044; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]


Notice of Intended Repatriation: David A. Fredrickson 
Archaeological Collections Facility at Sonoma State University, Rohnert 
Park, CA

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and 
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Sonoma State University intends to 
repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects 
of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the 
Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.

DATES: Repatriation of the cultural items in this notice may occur on 
or after November 23, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Send additional, written requests for repatriation of the 
cultural items 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#90e4e7ffe2fbfbd0e3fffefffdf1bef5f4e5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4f3b38203d24240f3c202120222e612a2b3a">[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 the summary or related records. The National Park 
Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.

Abstract of Information Available

    A total of 374 lots of cultural items have been requested for 
repatriation. The 374 lots of objects of cultural patrimony include 
modified stone, faunal bone, unmodified stone, and historics.
    In 2010 CA-NEV-1842, CA-NEV-1843, and CA-NEV-2066 were investigated 
by the Anthropological Studies Center of Sonoma State University.

Determinations

    The Sonoma State University has determined that:
    <bullet> The 374 lots of objects of cultural patrimony described in 
this notice have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural 
importance central to the Native American group, including any 
constituent sub-group (such as a band, clan, lineage, ceremonial 
society, or other subdivision), according to the Native American 
traditional knowledge of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization.
    <bullet> There is a connection between the cultural items described 
in this notice and the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn 
Rancheria of California.

Requests for Repatriation

    Additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural items 
in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified 
in this notice under ADDRESSES. Requests for repatriation may be 
submitted by 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 a culturally affiliated Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization.
    Repatriation of the cultural items in this notice to a requestor 
may occur on or after November 23, 2026. If competing requests for 
repatriation are received, the Sonoma State University must determine 
the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for 
joint repatriation of the cultural items are considered a single 
request and not competing requests. The 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 to any 
other consulting parties.
    Authority: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 
25 U.S.C. 3004 and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.9.


[[Page 66722]]


    Dated: October 15, 2026.
Melanie O'Brien,
Manager, National NAGPRA Program.
[FR Doc. 2026-21551 Filed 10-21-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P


</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>