California State University adoptsy policy to return Native remains, cultural items

The California State University system has adopted a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act policy requiring the return of human remains and cultural items held across its campuses, according to the Long Beach Current.

The policy sets systemwide standards for repatriation and consultation with tribal nations and acknowledges the harm caused by withholding ancestors and sacred belongings. Twenty-one CSU campuses currently hold Native remains or cultural items. Each campus must hire a full-time repatriation coordinator, report regularly to the Chancellor’s Office and Legislature and consult with tribes on reburial options.