California State Assembly leaders convened on August 29, 2023, to address critical issues surrounding the repatriation of Native American ancestral remains and cultural items. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs heard powerful testimonies from tribal leaders emphasizing the urgent need for compliance with existing laws designed to protect indigenous heritage.

A central theme of the meeting was the call for accountability from California State University (CSU) campuses, particularly CSU Fresno, which has been criticized for failing to consult with tribes during the review of its collection of nearly 40,000 items. Tribal representatives expressed deep concern over the lack of meaningful engagement, stating that this oversight not only disrespects their ancestors but also undermines tribal sovereignty. The absence of repatriation efforts was highlighted, with CSU Fresno reportedly returning 0% of its collection, which tribal leaders argue denies them healing and justice.

Tribal leaders underscored the importance of repatriation as a means of restoring dignity and cultural identity. They called for systemic changes within the CSU system, including the establishment of a CSU NAGPRA Advisory Board to ensure tribal voices are included in discussions about the handling of ancestral remains and cultural items. The leaders urged the Chancellor's Office to enhance oversight and compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its California counterpart, Cal NAGPRA.

The meeting also served as a platform for tribal leaders to share personal stories about the spiritual significance of their ancestors and the cultural items held by educational institutions. They expressed a collective commitment to dismantling barriers to repatriation and emphasized the need for collaboration between the state, CSU, and tribal communities.

As the meeting concluded, there was a strong consensus among participants that immediate action is necessary to rectify past injustices and ensure that ancestral remains and cultural items are treated with the respect they deserve. The Assembly members pledged to prioritize these issues, signaling a potential shift towards more respectful and inclusive practices regarding Native American heritage in California.