Chancellor commits to repatriating tribal ancestors and artifacts

In a recent government meeting, California State University (CSU) Chancellor outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its state counterpart, Cal NAGPRA. The Chancellor emphasized the importance of collaboration with tribal communities, stating a commitment to repatriate all ancestors and cultural items from CSU campuses, a priority since her tenure began last October.

The Chancellor acknowledged shortcomings in the guidance provided to universities regarding compliance and announced a structural shift in responsibilities, transferring oversight of NAGPRA from the Division of Academic and Student Affairs to the newly created Office of Tribal Relations. This office will focus on fostering engagement with tribes and ensuring adherence to state and federal laws.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the announcement of a 90-day consultation period set to begin in September, allowing tribal leaders to provide feedback on a draft policy aimed at standardizing the repatriation process. The Chancellor also highlighted the allocation of $4.25 million in the 2024-2025 budget to support compliance efforts, marking the first direct funding from the Chancellor's office for this purpose.

The meeting also addressed the need for hiring experienced campus coordinators to oversee compliance, with 18 out of 23 campuses meeting the requirements of AB 389. The Chancellor expressed gratitude for the efforts of Chico State, which has been recognized as a model for collaboration with local tribal communities.

In closing, the Chancellor reiterated her commitment to ensuring that CSU's actions align with its legal and moral obligations to respect and honor tribal heritage, culture, values, and beliefs. The meeting underscored a renewed focus on accountability and transparency in the university system's relationship with Native American communities.