Native Americans & Social Justice Allies to Rally at UC Berkeley

All Native American people and social justice allies are
urged to attend and bring signs to a vocal and peaceful demonstration
designed to protect Native ancestral remains and sacred objects
currently housed at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB). UCB
is attempting to terminate the critically important Tribal
consultation and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act (NAGPRA) program at the university. This tribally-supported NAGPRA
program was developed in accordance with federal and state laws and is
a semi-autonomous unit within the Hearst Museum. NAGPRA is a federal
law that mandates federally funded museums to conduct an inventory of
and identify Native human remains and cultural items in their
collections. In addition the museum is charged to consult with
culturally affiliated Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native
Hawaiians regarding repatriation. The NAGPRA program at UCB is
responsible for insuring the museum complies with the Act and
repatriate items when appropriate.

The Native NAGPRA Coalition has been calling for a meeting with UCB
Chancellor Birgeneau for months to resolve the problem. Staff of
Governor Schwarzenegger's Office have also been attempting to assist
in scheduling the meeting. Yet, the highest ranking UCB official
refuses to meet.