On August 29, 2023, the California State Assembly convened a joint hearing of the Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs to address critical issues surrounding the repatriation of Native American cultural items and ancestral remains. This meeting highlighted the California State University (CSU) system's commitment to improving compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) following a comprehensive audit that revealed significant gaps in the system's practices.

Chancellor Garcia, who is set to take office in October, expressed her respect for the gravity of the situation and emphasized the CSU's moral obligation to work closely with tribal leaders. She committed to returning ancestral and cultural items to California's first peoples, underscoring that this is not only a legal duty but also a profound ethical responsibility. The Heritage Commission is actively developing enforcement regulations for NAGPRA, aiming to impose fines on institutions that fail to comply with repatriation processes.

The audit revealed that 15 CSU campuses require full-time repatriation coordinators due to their extensive collections of artifacts. Currently, many campuses rely on part-time staff or faculty for these responsibilities. The CSU plans to include funding for these positions in its 2024 budget request, but as of now, the 2023-24 budget does not allocate resources for full-time coordinators at all campuses. This gap raises concerns about the ability of these institutions to effectively manage repatriation efforts.

During the hearing, Dr. Alva from the Chancellor's office provided insights into the ongoing efforts to establish a framework for repatriation. This includes developing an implementation plan that addresses personnel needs and operational costs associated with returning cultural items to tribal communities. The establishment of a system-wide oversight committee is also a priority, with a goal to be formed by December 2023. This committee will play a crucial role in reviewing data collection tools and ensuring accurate assessments of the resources needed for repatriation.

The discussions during the hearing reflect a significant step towards accountability and collaboration between the CSU system and Native American communities. As the CSU prepares to implement these changes, the commitment to honoring the cultural heritage of California's indigenous peoples remains at the forefront of their agenda. The anticipated next steps include finalizing the oversight committee and developing a comprehensive plan to facilitate the timely return of ancestral remains and artifacts, addressing a long-standing issue of cultural sensitivity and respect.