Research Policy Analysis and Coordination

UC's Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation Policy

July 27, 2020: We are pleased to announce the issuance of the UC Native American Cultural Affiliation and Repatriation Interim Policy. President Napolitano has issued this policy as interim in order to allow tribes that have not been able to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic additional time to comment, while at the same time, going forward with a significantly improved process of repatriation. The University will issue a final updated policy on or about December 31, 2020.

The Interim Policy reflects extensive input received from tribes, UC faculty and staff, and other key stakeholders. We are extremely thankful for all the input we have received to date. Any further written comments or requests for consultation on the policy can be submitted to RPAC@ucop.edu through November 15, 2020.

The University is committed to the repatriation of Native American human remains and cultural items in accordance with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), its accompanying regulations, and the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA). The fundamental importance of facilitating the repatriation of Native American and Native Hawaiian human remains and cultural items is captured in the revised Policy and President Napolitano’s cover letter, along with an apology on behalf of the University of California.

We look forward to implementation of this policy and to bringing the ancestors and their cultural items home.