Cal Poly Humboldt Repatriates Over 9,000 Indigenous Artifacts

BREAKING: Cal Poly Humboldt has repatriated over 9,241 Indigenous artifacts as part of a significant initiative to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This urgent update comes as the California State University (CSU) system announces a comprehensive policy aimed at honoring Tribal sovereignty and correcting historical injustices.

In a groundbreaking announcement this November, CSU officials described the new NAGPRA policy as a “landmark step” towards fulfilling the university’s responsibility to return Native American ancestors and cultural items. The CSU system, which includes Cal Poly Humboldt, is committed to repatriating nearly 24,000 items identified as culturally significant.

“This policy represents a solemn commitment to do better,” stated Samantha Cypret, executive director of the CSU Office of Tribal Relations. She emphasized that the work is far from over, urging continued dialogue and consultation with Native voices as the repatriation process unfolds.

Recent actions have highlighted Cal Poly Humboldt’s progress. Following the 2022 State Auditor’s report, which revealed that over half of CSU campuses had not repatriated any items, the university took decisive steps towards compliance. In January 2024, the university appointed Megan Watson as its Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Program Coordinator, tasked with overseeing the repatriation efforts.

Watson noted, “The newly announced CSU systemwide NAGPRA policy brings all campuses under a single framework, ensuring consistent compliance with federal and state law while strengthening partnerships with tribes.” As part of this initiative, Cal Poly Humboldt has already identified 23,889 cultural items through surveys, a number that is expected to rise as more items are examined.

The CSU’s new policy was developed in collaboration with California Native Nations and aims to enhance transparency and accountability. It prohibits the use of ancestral items for teaching or research without tribal consent, a critical step toward fostering trust with Indigenous communities.

Assemblymember James Ramos, a prominent advocate for Native American rights, expressed cautious optimism about the new policy. He stated, “I was excited to learn of CSU’s inaugural systemwide NAGPRA policy… If the CSU system practices fidelity to this new policy, it can at long last ensure compliance with a more than three-decade law.”

While the progress is commendable, challenges remain. Financial and logistical barriers hinder full compliance, as highlighted by the California Native American Heritage Commission. The Commission stressed the necessity for adequate funding and staff to support ongoing repatriation efforts.

Despite these obstacles, Watson remains hopeful. “We are working closely with several regional tribes to identify, care for, and repatriate cultural items,” she said, emphasizing the importance of tribal consultation in determining the fate of these artifacts.

Cal Poly Humboldt’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA is a crucial step toward redressing historical wrongs and restoring dignity to Native communities. As the university forges ahead, it invites the public to follow its journey of healing and collaboration with Indigenous nations.

The situation continues to evolve, and further developments are expected as Cal Poly Humboldt and the CSU system implement their new policies. For updates on this urgent issue, stay tuned.