In a pivotal government meeting held on August 29, 2023, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs convened to address pressing issues surrounding the California State University (CSU) system's handling of Native American remains and cultural artifacts. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as lawmakers and tribal leaders gathered to discuss the findings of a recent audit that revealed significant shortcomings in the CSU's compliance with federal and state laws.

The absence of key CSU leadership, including the Interim Chancellor and the Chair of the Board of Trustees, was noted with disappointment. Lawmakers expressed hope that the CSU would take the audit's findings seriously and commit to meaningful action. The audit highlighted that over half of the 21 CSU campuses had not repatriated any remains or cultural items, a troubling statistic given the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was enacted more than three decades ago.

The report further revealed that many campuses lacked even basic knowledge of their collections, a requirement mandated by federal law since 1995. This lack of awareness and action drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, who emphasized the Chancellor's office's responsibility in addressing these issues.

As the meeting progressed, the Executive Secretary of the Native American Heritage Commission and several tribal leaders shared their perspectives, underscoring the importance of respecting California's sovereign nations and their cultural heritage. Lawmakers expressed a desire for concrete commitments from CSU to ensure compliance with both federal and state laws, aiming to restore dignity to the remains and artifacts that hold deep significance for Native American communities.

The discussions at this hearing not only shed light on the CSU's past failures but also set the stage for future accountability. As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of urgency among attendees to ensure that the promises made decades ago would finally be fulfilled, paving the way for a more respectful and responsible approach to Native American heritage in California.