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 SRJCMM, 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 29 cultural items have been requested for repatriation. The 29 sacred objects are 28 baskets and/or basketry hats and one string of Olivella Shell & Bugle trade beads.

Additional provenance research indicates that the objects entered the SRJC Multicultural Museum through a variety of donors, private collectors, families, museums, and historical organizations between 1980 and 2023. Several objects are believed to derive from the museum's original collections, likely acquired by founder Jesse Peter in the 1930s, although documentation is limited. Available records indicate that some objects were gifted or traded prior to their donation, including Object 101.104, which was reportedly acquired by Elise Starrett Elsner while living as a missionary in the Mojave Desert, and Object 115.027, described as a gift from an Indian acquaintance in the early 1930s. Other objects have documented transfers from the Sonoma County Historical Society, Museum of Sonoma County, Codding Museum, and Mendocino County Museum. Provenance records for several objects remain incomplete and do not establish a continuous chain of custody.

Determinations

The Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum has determined that:

• The 29 sacred objects described in this notice are specific ceremonial objects needed by a traditional Native American religious leader for present-day adherents to practice traditional Native American religion, according to the Native American traditional knowledge of a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization.
• There is a reasonable connection between the cultural items described in this notice and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, California. ( printed page 58695)

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 October 16, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the SRJCMM 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 SRJCMM 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.

91 FR 58694