Native American Graves Protection and Repatration Act (NAGPRA)
NAGPRA at Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo, as the traditional stewards of the land. Let it be acknowledged that Sonoma State University is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.
The mission of Sonoma State University’s NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) Program is to consult early and often, conduct meaningful consultation, and engage in respectful repatriation. Sonoma State University is fully committed to the repatriation of Native American Indian ancestors and their belongings, and to the respectful curation of cultural materials.
Sonoma State University's NAGPRA Initiative is administratively housed in the Office of the Provost, Provost Karen Moranski serves as the President's designee for NAGPRA compliance. This strategic placement underscores the university's commitment to honoring and adhering to state and federal mandates concerning the respectful return of Native American cultural items and human remains. By being centrally located in the Provost's Office, the initiative ensures coordinated efforts across departments to engage in meaningful dialogue with Tribal communities and uphold ethical stewardship practices.
Contact info:
Email address: nagpra@sonoma.edu
Phone number: (707) 664-4030
Laws:
CalNAGPRA: https://nahc.ca.gov/calnagpra/
NAGPRA: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nagpra/index.htm
Memo on Closed Repository
Resources:
View the auditor's report.: https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2022-107/index.html
CSU NAPGRA/CalNAGRPA Website
Holdings Map
About Us
Elise-Alexandria Green, M.Ed., M.L.S.
Director of Tribal Relations
Elise-Alexandria (Elise) Green joined Sonoma State University as the new Director of Tribal Relations. Elise is an enrolled member of the Hualapai Tribe and is culturally affiliated with the Havasupai Tribe, both on ancestral lands in Arizona. Elise holds a Master’s in Legal Studies with an emphasis in Federal Indian Law from Arizona State University and a Master’s of Arts in Education from Claremont Graduate University. Elise received her Bachelor’s Degree in Native American Studies and Public Policy from the University of California Riverside. She has extensive experience working with Tribal governments, Native American Indian students, and university administration. She oversees and supports the NAGPRA Program by building relationships with Northern California Tribes, state, and federal agencies.
Doshia Dodd, M.A.
NAGPRA Repatriation Coordinator
Doshia Dodd is the NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Repatriation Coordinator at Sonoma State University (SSU). Mrs. Dodd is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor's Degree of Anthropology with distinction and M.A. from the Cultural Resources Management Masters Program at SSU. In her capacity as the Repatriation Coordinator she leads the repatriation process at SSU. She manages all aspects of NAGPRA compliance by leading consultation meetings with Tribes and Agencies, conducts verification of sites at the request of Tribes, assist in writing claims for Tribes, writes the National NAGPRA documentation, coordinates campus visits to view site’s cultural items and manages data transfer to Tribes.