Cal Poly Humboldt is in the final stages of the search process for a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Repatriation Program Coordinator. The coordinator will manage the development and implementation of Cal Poly Humboldt’s NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA compliance and repatriation programs, represent the campus as the primary contact for the NAGPRA program, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for culturally identifiable remains and related artifacts. You can view the full position description here. 

The University will host a virtual open forum for each of two candidates that have been selected by the search committee. The search committee encourages faculty, staff, students, administrators, Tribal representatives, and community stakeholders to attend and participate. 

Facilitated by members of the search committee, the forums are opportunities to hear from the candidates, ask them questions, and learn more about their perspectives on the work that this position will entail. Each forum will include a 10-minute presentation by the candidate, followed by 20 minutes for questions.

You are also invited to use the form linked here to submit feedback about the candidates until 5 pm PDT, on Friday 5/12/2023

Below, please find days, times, and links to the forums, as well as bios provided by the candidates. 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 10:00-10:30 am, PDT

• Keduescha Lara-Colegrove, MA., is a Hoopa Tribal Citizen, and is of Ner-er-ner (Coastal Yurok) and Karuk descent. She is an Alumni of Cal Poly Humboldt, with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, and a Masters of Arts in Applied Anthropology with an emphasis in Culture Resource Management and Heritage Preservation. Keduescha brings eight years of experience as a Tribal NAGPRA coordinator and as such, understands Tribal sovereignty and the importance of honoring cultural protocols, cultural and religious practices, and indigenous knowledge. Her vision for the Cal Poly NAGPRA program is centered on developing relationships with Tribes, engaging Tribal communities in NAGPRA consultation, and addressing university staff and community education.

• Zoom link https://humboldtstate.zoom.us/j/85822813698?pwd=SWdueHZmNHVvMElzZE9GOVRYY0tLZz09

• Meeting ID: 858 2281 3698, Passcode: NAGPRA

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, from 10:45-11:15 am, PDT

• Dr. Matthew Schwoebel grew up in Alabama and received his undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Spanish Language & Literature from the University of South Alabama. He then received his law degree from UC Berkeley where he specialized in federal Indian law and studied under Professor Philip Frickey. He gained his Ph.D. in 2020 in Native American Studies with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Arizona. His dissertation work focused on cultural heritage laws including NAGPRA. Since graduating, he has worked in the field of Cultural Resource Management on applied and collaborative projects with over twenty tribal nations. He has worked with tribes, museums, state/federal agencies on NAGPRA related projects for over five years. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Montana where he works with the university’s NAGPRA Committee on a wide range of topics concerning the university’s collections. He has gained over 20 years of experience working in Indian Country. His hobbies include hiking and doing outdoor activities with his dog, Jonah.

• Zoom link https://humboldtstate.zoom.us/j/83220929379?pwd=OExvUEhuazF4Z2YzTStNSUlORXEzZz09

• Meeting ID: 832 2092 9379, Passcode: NAGPRA