State tribal leaders and lawmakers met with administrators from the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems Tuesday to address ongoing efforts to return Native American human remains and cultural objects.
This meeting comes in the wake of three state audits conducted over the past five years by the California State Auditor, which have scrutinized the universities’ compliance with repatriation laws.
The CSU audit revealed that their institutions hold over 700,000 remains and artifacts, though not all collections were fully accounted for. UC Berkeley, in particular, was noted for its substantial collection. These remains have been a point of contention for Native American communities who have long advocated for their proper and respectful return for reburial.
“All we are asking is that you give them back, give them back, folks,” Charles Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, said during the oversight hearing.
Led by the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Committee on Legislation, the hearing was meant to hold the universities accountable for their repatriation efforts. The audits have highlighted significant shortcomings, with tribal leaders expressing frustration over the slow progress and inadequate compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a federal law enacted in 1990.
“It’s ongoing personal trauma and collective trauma to our tribal community,” Morning Star Gali of the Ajumawi Band Pit River Tribe said at the hearing.
Assemblymember James Ramos, himself a Native American, also called for greater accountability and highlighted the need for universities to prioritize repatriation in their budgeting and administrative efforts.
In response to the audits, UC and CSU administrators have taken steps to address the issues. UC Davis has set a goal to return all known ancestors by June 2027. CSU has allocated $4.25 million towards NAGPRA compliance and is in the process of hiring full-time NAGPRA coordinators across its campuses.
Despite these efforts, tribal leaders remain skeptical. Lorelle Ross, vice chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, described the process as “undeniably, painfully slow,” and stressed the need for a renewed sense of urgency and commitment from the universities.
The hearing on Tuesday represents a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for repatriation, with tribal leaders and lawmakers urging the universities to fulfill their obligations and respect the rights and cultural heritage of Native American communities.
