California lawmakers demand action on repatriation of Native American remains from CSU campuses

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee and Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs convened on August 29, 2023, to address critical issues surrounding the repatriation of Native American remains and cultural artifacts in California's higher education system. The meeting highlighted significant findings from a recent audit that revealed a troubling lack of action by the California State University (CSU) system regarding compliance with the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

The session began with remarks emphasizing the importance of tribal leaders' perspectives in discussions about repatriation. One speaker expressed disappointment over the Chancellor's office and campuses' minimal efforts over the past decades, noting that more than half of CSU campuses have not repatriated any remains or cultural items. The audit indicated that many campuses are unaware of the extent of their collections, a requirement mandated by federal law nearly three decades ago.

The Chancellor's office was called out for its lack of accountability, with a commitment to action being a focal point of the hearing. The speaker urged for specific assurances from CSU campuses to ensure compliance with both federal and state laws, stressing the need for respect and dignity for ancestral remains and artifacts belonging to California's sovereign nations.

Chairman Ramos acknowledged the importance of the audit findings and the need for legislative action moving forward. He highlighted the historical context of the issue, noting that the audit's results were not surprising to Native American communities, who have long advocated for respect and collaboration in repatriation efforts.

The discussion also revealed that approximately 700,000 Native American remains and artifacts are currently held by universities, with some institutions having made little to no progress in initiating repatriation processes. The urgency of prioritizing these issues was underscored, with calls for the CSU system to elevate repatriation to a top priority.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from legislative members to ensure that the voices of California's first people are heard and that efforts to bring ancestral remains home are taken seriously. The overarching goal remains clear: to facilitate the proper reburial of remains and to honor the dignity of Native American heritage.