The Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs convened on August 29, 2023, to address critical issues surrounding the repatriation of Native American remains and cultural items in California. The meeting highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Native tribes in their efforts to reclaim ancestral remains and artifacts, emphasizing the need for legislative action and accountability from state institutions.

The session began with a poignant statement from a tribal leader who expressed the deep-rooted pain and mistrust that Native communities feel towards promises made by educational institutions. The leader underscored the importance of rebuilding trust, particularly in light of the historical injustices faced by Native peoples, including the ongoing storage of ancestral remains in facilities without proper respect or acknowledgment. The call for respect resonated throughout the discussions, with the leader stressing that education must encompass the lived experiences of Native peoples.

Following this, Laurel Ross, vice chairwoman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, presented her tribe's perspective. She affirmed the findings of a 2021 audit that revealed significant failures by the University of California (UC) system in repatriating human remains and cultural items. Ross pointed out that a similar audit conducted in June 2023 found the California State University (CSU) system to be equally deficient in these responsibilities. She emphasized that all state agencies and museums receiving state and federal funding must comply with both the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California's NAGPRA.

Ross urged the committee to consider legislation that mandates the CSU Chancellor's office to report annually on its progress in inventorying collections and consulting with tribes regarding repatriation. She highlighted the necessity for any legislative efforts to be developed in collaboration with tribal leaders, ensuring that solutions are tribally led and reflective of the needs and rights of Native communities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from committee members to prioritize these issues, recognizing the importance of addressing the historical grievances of Native tribes and ensuring that their voices are heard in legislative processes. The discussions underscored a collective determination to enhance accountability and foster meaningful partnerships between state institutions and Native communities moving forward.