In a recent joint hearing held by the California State Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs, significant discussions centered around the repatriation of ancestral remains and culturally sensitive items from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). This meeting highlighted the university's commitment to addressing past oversights and fostering relationships with tribal communities.

CSUF, the only California State University in Orange County, has been working towards establishing a permanent research collection focused on Orange County archaeology. The university currently houses over 3,500 archival boxes containing materials from approximately 274 sites, including the remains of at least 213 ancestors. Acknowledging the importance of these items, CSUF has identified 134 boxes containing culturally sensitive materials, which tribal members have flagged for repatriation.

The university is actively engaged in returning these sensitive cultural items and ancestral remains, with a goal of significantly reducing the collection size over the next three to five years. By the end of December 2023, CSUF expects to return the remains of 13 ancestors, marking a crucial step in their repatriation efforts. This process is being guided by tribal partners to ensure respect and sensitivity.

During the meeting, representatives from CSUF shared a poignant experience from August 4, 2023, when the university returned the remains of an ancestor from Kings County. Tribal members participated in a blessing ceremony, emphasizing the emotional weight of these actions and the long-lasting impact on both the university and the tribal community.

CSUF acknowledged past failures in consulting with affiliated tribes regarding their collections and missed deadlines for submitting inventories to the Native American Heritage Commission. The university has taken responsibility for these oversights and is implementing corrective measures, including hiring a full-time repatriation coordinator and initiating consultations with approximately 50 tribes.

This commitment to repatriation and relationship-building with tribal communities reflects a broader goal of healing and accountability, as CSUF works to rectify historical injustices and foster trust with Native American representatives. The outcomes of this meeting signal a significant step towards honoring the cultural heritage and ancestral rights of Indigenous peoples in California.