Merced College, in line with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), has conducted an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and established a cultural link to certain Indian Tribes. The remains, reflecting pieces from at least 115 individuals, and 39 funerary objects, are tied to tribes like the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-wuk Indians of California. Repatriation of these items can begin after April 16, 2025, to the identified tribes or others who provide sufficient evidence of cultural affiliation. Merced College, while acknowledging four missing objects, is managing this process with support from the National Park Service.
Simple Explanation
Merced College found old bones and objects that belong to Native American tribes and plans to give them back, but first, they need to make sure they go to the right tribes. They also can't find a few objects and haven't explained very clearly how they decided which tribes should get the items back.