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 Chico State, 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

The two associated funerary objects consist of one lot of modified lithic materials and one lot of shells. These associated funerary objects were located with human remains from Chico State's accession 253 which has previously been determined to be culturally affiliated with the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, California, and the Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California (91 FR 33737).

The University is not aware of any treatment of the associated funerary objects with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that could pose a potential hazard to either the objects themselves or individuals handling them.

Cultural Affiliation

Based on the information available and the results of consultation, cultural affiliation is reasonably identified by the acquisition history of the associated funerary objects described in this notice. ( printed page 64389)

Determinations

Chico State has determined that:

• The two lots of 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.
• There is a connection between the associated funerary objects described in this notice and the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria, California, and the Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of 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 November 9, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, Chico State 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. Chico State 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.

91 FR 64388