In a pivotal meeting held 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, focusing on the urgent issue of repatriation of Native American remains and cultural artifacts. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as tribal leaders from across the state gathered to share their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of this long-overdue conversation.

The discussions were sparked by a recent audit revealing that over half of California State University (CSU) campuses have failed to repatriate any remains or cultural items, despite the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) being enacted more than three decades ago. The audit highlighted a troubling lack of awareness among these campuses regarding the extent of their collections, a requirement mandated by federal law since 1990.

One speaker expressed deep disappointment in the Chancellor's office, stating, “I was surprised and saddened by how little effort the Chancellor's office and campuses had exerted over the last several decades.” This sentiment resonated throughout the meeting, as participants called for accountability and action to ensure that the promises made to California's sovereign nations are fulfilled.

Chairman Ramos and other committee members acknowledged the significance of the audit findings, noting that the voices of tribal leaders have often been overlooked in discussions about repatriation. “That voice is silenced no more,” Ramos declared, emphasizing the need for respect and healing in the relationship between the state and California's First People.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the staggering statistic that less than 2% of Native American remains and artifacts have been repatriated from CSU campuses. With an estimated 700,000 remains and artifacts still unaccounted for, the call for immediate action was clear. “It’s time that California's First People and the issue of repatriation starts to move to the number one priority of the Cal State University system,” one leader asserted passionately.

As the meeting progressed, the commitment to ensuring that ancestral items are treated with dignity and respect became a central theme. The leaders expressed a collective hope that this hearing would lead to concrete actions and a renewed focus on the moral responsibility of educational institutions to honor the heritage of Native American communities.

The meeting concluded with a shared determination to keep the voices of California's First People at the forefront of legislative discussions, ensuring that the path toward repatriation is not only acknowledged but actively pursued. As one leader poignantly stated, “It’s time that we bring our ancestors home.”