Historic Repatriation: UC Berkeley Returns Over 300 Native Hawaiian Artifacts

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii has recently lauded the University of California, Berkeley for a historic act of cultural restitution involving the return of 335 Native Hawaiian cultural items to their homeland, a gesture underscored by the inclusion of 34 sacred artifacts. This significant event, reported by Berkeley News, marks the most considerable single repatriation effort of Hawaiian cultural artifacts to date.

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Schatz highlighted a pervasive issue, pointing out the decades-long failure of many academic and cultural institutions to adhere to federal laws mandating the return of improperly acquired Native remains and cultural properties. The senator’s remarks underscored a broader critique of how historical neglect has compounded the loss and displacement of indigenous cultural heritage.

In expressing his gratitude, Senator Schatz acknowledged UC Berkeley’s initiative to correct these past oversights by returning these culturally significant items to Hawaii. The action by UC Berkeley serves not only as compliance with legal obligations but as a meaningful step towards reconciling with all indigenous communities affected by similar injustices.