UC Promises Return of Native American Remains by 2028

California universities are accelerating plans to repatriate Native American human remains and cultural items following criticism from a third state audit, according to KCRA. Tribal leaders and lawmakers said progress has been slow since the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act went into effect, requiring universities to return remains by 1995.

UC Provost Katherine Newman, speaking on behalf of UC President James Milliken, said the system has a plan to return the remains by 2028. “It gives me confidence we will meet this goal,” Newman was quoted as saying. Tribal leaders emphasized accountability and unity. “We should all come united around getting those remains back into the ground for proper reburial,” said James Ramos, chair of the Native American Affairs Committee.