We are pleased to announce that Gregorio Pacheco has joined our team as the new Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)/CalNAGPRA Repatriation Coordinator. Gregorio brings over 12 years of experience in cultural heritage management, compliance oversight, and collaboration with Native American Tribes. He has worked across various archaeological, paleontological, and natural resource projects, managing crews and projects on private, state, and federal lands. His deep understanding of the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act will be an invaluable asset in helping Cal State LA fulfill its commitments under NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA legislation.
Gregorio’s academic journey is closely tied to our campus, where he earned his B.A. in Anthropology and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Archaeology. His continued academic work complements his extensive career in cultural heritage management, where he has built strong partnerships with tribal communities in California and led numerous compliance and repatriation projects.
Gregorio serves as the Collaboration Committee Coordinator for the Society of California Archaeology, fostering partnerships with Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. He is also the Vice President of the Milford Archaeological Research Institute, where he focuses on creating opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork and research.
We are excited to have Gregorio on board to lead our university’s repatriation efforts, ensuring that Cal State LA works diligently and respectfully in returning items of cultural patrimony to Native American tribal communities. We look forward to collaborating with Gregorio as we advance these important efforts.