Tribal Relations recently launched a webpage, under Office of the President Initiatives. An essential component of Tribal Relations is the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and we have dedicated a platform to share information regarding repatriation work.

It is a very exciting time for Fresno State to have a Tribal Relations office, and we are making every effort to build and sustain lasting relationships with Tribes throughout the state to create opportunities within the Central Valley, for campus, and for our region. The key will be to include tribal perspective by supporting culturally appropriate educational initiatives, student initiatives, potential for internships, and increase the presence on campus.

Future highlights will include the Native American Leadership Council, this is President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval’s initiative, in which he hosts quarterly meetings in a government-to-government manner with tribal leaders to discuss tribal priorities. This allows for Tribal Relations to work directly with the president to align priorities with Fresno State.

NAGPRA compliance is a priority, and our Repatriation Coordinator Sara Lively and team are making significant strides. After decades of housing Native American collections, we are working towards repatriation. There is a great deal of work in progress, primarily conducting formal tribal consultation that is meaningful and respectful, preparing collection inventory, and prioritizing care standards while we care for collections on campus. Until Ancestors and their belongings are returned home, Fresno State will work to ensure compliance with federal and state law, as well as CSU and Fresno State policy. You can read more about these laws on the webpage; Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA,1990) and CalNAGPRA (2001).

Stay tuned as we incorporate tribal information, an event calendar, Tribal Relations initiatives and resources for students.