Tribal relations and repatriation at CSUCI require coordinated leadership, specialized expertise, cultural guidance, and consultation with Tribal Nations. The individuals and bodies below have distinct but complementary responsibilities.
NAGPRA Director
Amber-Marie Madrid
NAGPRA Director
amber-marie.madrid@csuci.edu
The NAGPRA Director coordinates the University’s day-to-day work under NAGPRA, CalNAGPRA, and applicable CSU policy. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating inventories, summaries, notices, consultations, and repatriation activities;
- Maintaining required documentation and records;
- Supporting NAGPRA consultation;
- Coordinating the respectful care of Native American Ancestors and cultural items;
- Supporting the CSUCI NAGPRA Committee; and
- Advising the Presidential Designee regarding compliance, consultation, and repatriation matters.
Presidential Designee for NAGPRA
Dr. Dottie Patten
Associate Vice President for Compliance & Policy
dorothy.patten@csuci.edu
The Presidential Designee acts on behalf of the University President in overseeing CSUCI’s compliance with NAGPRA, CalNAGPRA, and CSU policy. Responsibilities include:
- Providing executive oversight of the University’s NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA responsibilities;
- Ensuring appropriate institutional coordination and accountability;
- Participating in formal consultation on behalf of the University, as appropriate;
- Reviewing and authorizing institutional actions within the authority delegated by the President;
- Elevating matters requiring presidential or executive consideration; and
- Supporting the allocation of institutional attention and resources necessary to advance repatriation.
Campus Cultural Advisor
Raudel Bañuelos
Chumash Cultural Advisor
raudel.banuelos@csuci.edu
The Cultural Advisor provides cultural guidance to support the University’s relationships with Chumash communities and its respectful engagement with Chumash lands, histories, traditions, and cultural practices.
This advisory role may include:
- Advising University leadership and campus departments on culturally appropriate practices;
- Providing guidance related to ceremonies, events, land-based activities, and cultural protocols;
- Supporting the University’s Active Land Acknowledgment;
- Advising on matters involving Chumash cultural knowledge or culturally sensitive places; and
- Helping the University strengthen respectful and sustained relationships with Chumash community members.
The Cultural Advisor does not replace formal consultation with an authorized Tribal representative when consultation is required.
Tribal Liaison
Celina Zacarias
Executive Director of Community & Government Relations
celina.zacarias@csuci.edu
The Tribal Liaison supports communication and relationship-building between the University, Tribal Nations, and Native American communities. Depending on the matter, responsibilities may include:
- Facilitating communication with Tribal representatives;
- Coordinating meetings and engagement activities;
- Connecting campus departments with appropriate University and Tribal contacts;
- Supporting consultation and follow-up activities; and
- Helping maintain continuity across the University’s tribal-relations work.
CSUCI NAGPRA Committee
The CSUCI NAGPRA Committee provides independent review and guidance to support the University’s repatriation work. Established pursuant to California law, the Committee brings together Tribal knowledge and CSU expertise to help ensure that decisions are informed, respectful, and transparent.
The Committee’s work includes:
- Reviewing information related to Native American Ancestors and cultural items;
- Providing guidance on consultation, cultural affiliation, repatriation, and disposition;
- Reviewing University repatriation policies and practices; and
- Supporting accountability throughout the repatriation process.
The Committee’s work complements but does not replace direct consultation with Tribal Nations and their authorized representatives.
|
Seat |
Name, Tribe, Appointment Date |
|
Tribal Representative |
Edgar Perez, Gabrieliño/Tongva Nation |
|
Tribal Representative |
Nakia Zavalla, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians |
|
Tribal Representative |
Vacant |
|
Tribal Representative |
Vacant |
|
CSU Representative |
Vacant |
|
CSU Representative |
Vacant |
|
CSU Native American Studies Representative |
Dr. Jennie Luna, Xicana/Caxcan/Raramuri |
Committee members are nominated through the California Native American Heritage Commission and appointed by the California State University. Additional appointments are pending, and this page will be updated as the Committee’s membership is completed.
President’s Chumash Advisory Council
The President’s Chumash Advisory Council was established by the Office of the President and the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians to support relationship-building, allyship, and collaboration related to Native American communities, interests, and priorities.
The Council advises the University on matters that include:
- Chumash-related policies, practices, and communications;
- Land acknowledgments and cultural protocols;
- Initiatives involving the cultural significance of University land;
- Land stewardship and cultural awareness; and
Learn more about President’s Chumash Advisory Council and its current membership.