The Joint Hearing of the Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs convened on August 29, 2023, to address the critical issue of repatriation of Native American ancestral remains and cultural items held by California State Universities (CSUs). The meeting featured testimonies from various university presidents and representatives, highlighting their commitment to improving compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California's Cal NAGPRA.

The session began with a presentation from Cal State Fullerton, where officials acknowledged their past failures in consulting with tribal representatives and meeting inventory submission deadlines. They reported that the university currently houses over 3,500 archival boxes, including 213 ancestral remains. Acknowledging their responsibility, they outlined a plan to return 13 ancestral remains by the end of December 2023 and emphasized the importance of building trust with tribal partners through ongoing consultations.

Chico State University followed, with President Steve Perez expressing regret for the institution's non-compliance with NAGPRA. He reported that Chico State is in the process of repatriating 532 ancestors and 935 cultural items to a consortium of tribes, marking a significant step in their compliance efforts. Perez noted the challenges posed by incomplete documentation and the need for accurate records to facilitate the repatriation process.

Sonoma State University President Mike Lee also addressed the committee, acknowledging the need for improvement in their repatriation practices. He reported that the university has contacted 141 tribal representatives and has made strides in compliance, including submitting summaries and inventories of collections. Lee emphasized the importance of tribal input in the repatriation process and outlined plans to enhance their campus Necro Committee.

Sacramento State President Luke Wood highlighted the university's commitment to timely compliance with NAGPRA, noting that 73% of ancestors and 49% of catalog entries have been claimed by tribal nations. He reported a tenfold increase in published notices in the Federal Register since the enactment of AB 275, reflecting a renewed focus on repatriation efforts.

Raymond Hitchcock, Executive Secretary of the Native American Heritage Commission, concluded the session by emphasizing the urgency of compliance with NAGPRA and Cal NAGPRA. He criticized the ongoing violations and lack of tribal consultation, urging universities to prioritize the return of ancestral collections to alleviate the trauma experienced by Native communities.

The meeting underscored a collective acknowledgment of past shortcomings and a commitment to rectify these issues through enhanced collaboration with tribal nations. The universities expressed their dedication to creating effective processes for healing and ensuring that repatriation efforts are conducted respectfully and transparently. The discussions set the stage for ongoing accountability and progress in addressing the historical injustices faced by Native American communities in California.