The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Mendocino National Forest, in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), plans to return human remains and cultural objects found on federal or tribal lands to the appropriate lineal descendants, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization. These artifacts and remains were uncovered during archaeological projects in Tehama County, California, and are affiliated with the Nomlaki tribe. Claims for these items can be made until December 30, 2025, after which unclaimed items will be considered unclaimed artifacts or remains. The Mendocino National Forest will resolve any competing claims and coordinate with identified groups for the disposition process.
Simple Explanation
In the Mendocino National Forest, people found old bones and special objects that belonged to Native American groups, and the law says these must be given back to the Native people connected to them by the end of next year. If no one comes to claim them, they will decide what to do with the remaining items.