California State University, Fullerton plans to repatriate 14 objects of cultural patrimony to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, according to a federal notice published by the National Park Service. The administrative action, scheduled to take effect on or after May 4, 2026, fulfills requirements under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Origins of the Cultural Items at CSUF
The items designated for repatriation include lots of ceramics, charcoal, shell, faunal bone, organic material, and lithics removed from various locations across San Bernardino County, California, according to federal records. Six of the cultural items were excavated in the 1990s from site CA-SBR-940 near Apple Valley by Dr. Delbert Alcorn of Fullerton College. Those objects were transferred to CSUF following Dr. Alcorn’s death in 2004.
Additional items entered the university’s possession through separate donations. A private individual donated a lot of lithic material thought to originate from Calico in 1984. Another private donor transferred six lots of lithic material in 1988 that originated from Troy Lake, Silver Lake, Black Mountain, Apple Valley, Yermo, and Hinckley. University records do not indicate how a final lot of faunal bone from site CA-SBR-3753 near Daggett was acquired, and CSUF reports no records indicating the presence of hazardous substances on any of the items.
Legal Determinations and Repatriation Process
California State University, Fullerton determined that the 14 items possess ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to Native American traditional knowledge, establishing a direct cultural affiliation with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly listed as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California. The determinations are the sole responsibility of CSUF, and the National Park Service plays an administrative role in publishing the notices.
Written requests for repatriation must be directed to Sean Walker at California State University, Fullerton, located at 2600 Nutwood Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92831, or via email at SWALKER@FULLERTON.EDU. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not currently identified in the notice may submit a competing request by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or a culturally affiliated group.
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