Cal Poly Humboldt Repatriates 9,241 Indigenous Artifacts NOW

UPDATE: Cal Poly Humboldt has just confirmed the repatriation of 9,241 Indigenous artifacts, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The university is now one-third of the way through its commitment to return nearly 24,000 items to tribal communities.

This urgent news comes as the California State University system rolls out a landmark NAGPRA policy aimed at honoring Tribal sovereignty and addressing historical injustices. The announcement was made earlier today, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with California Native Nations and the California Native American Heritage Commission.

Megan Watson, the newly appointed NAGPRA Program Coordinator, stated, “The CSU systemwide NAGPRA policy ensures consistent compliance with federal and state law while strengthening partnerships with tribes.” Watson highlighted that substantial groundwork has already been laid at Cal Poly Humboldt, including a full-time NAGPRA coordinator position established this past January.

The repatriation efforts are seen as a response to a troubling 2022 state audit report, which revealed that over half of California’s 21 CSU campuses had not returned any cultural items to tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was among the institutions criticized for its lack of progress.

In recent years, Cal Poly has made strides in addressing its obligations under NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA. In a recent survey, the university identified 23,889 cultural items in its possession, with repatriation efforts ongoing. Watson noted that the number of items to be returned is likely to grow as the university continues to engage with local tribes.

Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), chair of the California Legislative Native American Caucus, praised the CSU’s new policy. He stated, “I was excited to learn of CSU’s inaugural systemwide NAGPRA policy, and particularly the emphasis on collaboration with tribes.” However, he stressed that the CSU must build trust with tribal communities and ensure compliance moving forward.

The CSU’s NAGPRA policy, developed in collaboration with tribal leaders, aims to ensure that the painful history of cultural item withholding is addressed. Cal Poly Humboldt’s efforts reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability, but officials acknowledge that the work is far from over. Watson affirmed, “This work is only possible because of our partnerships with Native tribes.”

The newly implemented policy prohibits the use of ancestors and cultural items for teaching or display without explicit consent from the tribes, ensuring that the repatriation process is respectful and culturally appropriate.

As these repatriation efforts unfold, the university is actively recruiting members for a campus NAGPRA committee, which will include Native American Heritage Commission-approved members. This committee will oversee compliance and facilitate ongoing consultations with tribes.

In conclusion, the repatriation of these artifacts marks a crucial step toward rectifying historical wrongs and fostering meaningful relationships between Cal Poly Humboldt and Indigenous communities. The university has pledged to continue its repatriation efforts, underscoring the urgent call for action to ensure that all cultural items are returned to their rightful owners.

Stay tuned for further developments on this important story as Cal Poly Humboldt works to fulfill its commitment to Native American communities.