Native American Remains Discovered on UC Berkeley Campus

Authorities believe the bones are not connected to a crime

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:49pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of the UC Berkeley campus, with Sather Tower visible in the background through a hazy, out-of-focus filter, conveying a sense of reverence and solemnity around the discovery of Native American remains on the university grounds.The discovery of Native American remains on the UC Berkeley campus underscores the university's complex history with indigenous communities and the need for greater sensitivity in handling such sensitive findings.Berkeley Today

Officials at the University of California, Berkeley have confirmed the discovery of Native American remains on the campus this week. The bones were found in an area slated for a new beach volleyball complex. Authorities have determined the remains are likely Native American and are not connected to any criminal activity.

Why it matters

The discovery of Native American remains on the UC Berkeley campus raises concerns about the university's past treatment and handling of indigenous remains, as well as the need for greater sensitivity and protocols around such sensitive findings.

The details

The remains were discovered on Wednesday in the construction area for a new beach volleyball complex on the UC Berkeley campus. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office determined the bones were likely Native American, and the UC Berkeley Police Department confirmed they are not investigating the case as a crime. This is not the first time human remains have been found on the UC Berkeley campus, as skeletonized remains of a homicide victim were discovered in 2023 on the Clark Kerr Campus.

  • The remains were discovered on Wednesday, April 17, 2026.
  • In 2023, a construction company notified police about skeletonized remains found in an abandoned building on UC Berkeley's Clark Kerr Campus.

The players

UC Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, a public research university located in Berkeley, California.

Alameda County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that determined the discovered remains were likely Native American.

UC Berkeley Police Department

The campus police department that confirmed the remains are not connected to any criminal activity.

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What’s next

The university will work with local Native American tribes to properly handle and repatriate the discovered remains.

The takeaway

This discovery highlights the need for UC Berkeley to continue improving its protocols and sensitivity around the handling of Native American remains, especially in light of past controversies on campus regarding the use of indigenous remains for teaching purposes.