The repatriation of Native American ancestral remains has been hindered for decades, despite the passage of NAGPRA in 1990 mandating their return. The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, led by Charlene Nijmeh, is at the forefront of the fight, advocating for both the repatriation of their ancestors and federal recognition. With over 9,300 ancestral remains stored at UC Berkeley alone, the broader national issue highlights the struggles faced by Indigenous communities to reclaim their history and heritage, with more than 128,000 remains identified across the country.
Thousands of Native American ancestral remains remain in museums across California, despite a federal law mandating their return, frustrating Indigenous leaders and communities.
Charlene Nijmeh, chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, emphasizes the need for federal recognition to facilitate the return of ancestral remains, which are currently held in institutions.
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