The California State University last week hosted the first of nine listening sessions on NAGPRA (the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) and its California counterpart, CalNAGPRA. The listening session, held at Cal State Long Beach, brought together Tribal leaders as well as NAGPRA experts and CSU staff.
The CSU is seeking to incorporate Tribal voices as it develops systemwide policies and procedures related to NAGPRA/ CalNAGPRA consultation and repatriation. AB 389, which passed in 2023, requires that this systemwide policy be done in consultation with Tribes and the Native American Heritage Commission. A draft systemwide policy is due to the commission by July 1, 2024 and must be implemented by July 2025.
“The California State University has fallen far short of our obligations to return the Native American ancestors and cultural items that have been on our campuses for far too long," CSU Chancellor Mildred García told attendees at the listening session. “Our actions – and inactions – have caused great pain to Native Americans throughout California. As the CSU's chancellor, I acknowledge this. And I am deeply sorry for it."
García continued: “The CSU understands that our full and timely compliance with NAGPRA, CalNAGPRA and AB 389 is far more than a legal obligation. It is a moral imperative. And that moral imperative requires that the repatriation of ancestors and cultural items be done responsibly, respectfully, with accountability and in a way that honors tribal heritage, culture, values and beliefs."
García pledged to listen to Tribal representatives “authentically and with humility" and in a spirit of “earnest consultation" as the CSU works to develop its policy.
Aside from the formal listening sessions, the CSU will also be offering opportunities for one-on-one consultations with Tribal representatives.
As the CSU continues with this process, it has committed to dedicating additional funding for personnel and resources. The CSU's 2024-25 operating budget request includes $4.25 million for NAGPRA compliance, which would include funding for a variety of university and systemwide positions as well as operational costs.
Tribal representatives can learn more about the CSU's systemwide policy development process as well as future listening session dates and locations online at https://nagpra.calstate.edu/csu-policy.