California State University audit reveals 700000 Native American remains unaccounted for

On August 29, 2023, a joint hearing of the California State Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs focused on the progress of the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems in repatriating Native American remains and cultural artifacts. The discussions highlighted significant disparities in the efforts made by these educational institutions, particularly in light of federal and state laws regarding the return of such items to their rightful tribes.

The meeting revealed that while the UC system has made strides in repatriation, the CSU system has faced criticism for its lack of progress. An audit conducted on four CSU campuses—Chico, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose—showed disappointing results. Only twelve out of twenty-three campuses have completed the inventory process necessary to assess the number of remains and cultural items in their collections. The audit indicated that nearly 700,000 Native American remains and artifacts remain unaccounted for, with some campuses reporting that they have not even begun to inventory their collections.

The audit findings underscored a pressing need for CSU to implement recommendations aimed at improving their repatriation efforts. These recommendations include establishing campus and system-wide committees to oversee the process and developing a comprehensive policy to guide repatriation efforts. The lack of action from several campuses, particularly those that have not yet identified their inventory, was described as disappointing and a violation of legal obligations.

Despite the challenges, there were signs of hope. Sacramento State University was noted as a positive example, having secured funding to support the necessary positions for inventorying collections and consulting with affiliated tribes. This progress suggests that with adequate resources and commitment, other campuses could follow suit.

The hearing concluded with a commitment to follow up on the audit's recommendations annually, ensuring that progress is made in addressing the significant backlog of unreturned remains and cultural items. The discussions highlighted the importance of accountability and the need for educational institutions to respect the cultural heritage and legal rights of Native American tribes in California.