A recent joint hearing of the California State Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs highlighted significant progress in the repatriation of Native American ancestral remains and cultural belongings. As of August 29, 2023, 532 ancestors and 87,935 cultural items are in the process of being legally transferred to a consortium of tribes, marking the second-largest repatriation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in history.

Chico State University officials expressed gratitude for the California State Auditors Report, which provided a detailed analysis of the challenges faced by universities in complying with NAGPRA and Cal NAGPRA. The university is currently consulting with eight tribes and plans to engage with additional tribes as they work to repatriate items in their possession. Despite the progress, Chico State acknowledged that they are not yet fully compliant, primarily due to issues with documentation and inventory accuracy.

The university has taken steps to address these challenges, including appointing a full-time repatriation coordinator and creating a dedicated website for transparency. They have also retrofitted a space for culturally appropriate storage of ancestral remains and cultural belongings, ensuring secure access in consultation with tribal representatives.

Sonoma State University President Mike Lee also addressed the committee, acknowledging the need for improvement in their repatriation processes. He emphasized that while their collections come from various sources, including archaeological projects and private developers, the university is committed to enhancing compliance with repatriation laws.

The discussions at the hearing underscored a broader commitment to honoring Native American communities by ensuring that ancestral remains and cultural items are returned in a timely and respectful manner. Both universities expressed their dedication to overcoming existing challenges and continuing their work towards full compliance with federal and state guidelines. The meeting concluded with a promise to keep the community informed about ongoing efforts and progress in repatriation initiatives.