Running in Prayer Postponement
The following is information concerning a scheduled event for San José State University's Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month observations for fall 2026.
This page contains some forward-looking statements as of November 10, 2026 which may evolve given the university's official response to circumstances, actions and decisions made in consultation with Tribal partners and Indigenous community stakeholders.
A longer documentation of this review process is included below.
San José State University postponed—not canceled—the November 14, 2026, “Running in Prayer” exhibit and related events after learning that required review and Tribal consultation had not occurred.
The university learned of these gaps in late October, after Tribal leaders and Indigenous organizations raised concerns about the event, its ceremonial elements and the exhibit’s use of cultural materials, photographs and film. The concerns included the display of potentially ceremonial objects, images of Elders and minors, questions about consent and permissions, the accuracy of public statements about the event’s affiliations, and the absence of consultation with area Tribes, including the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.
The programs were sponsored by a university unit, but had not been referred to the campus offices responsible for NAGPRA review, repatriation and Tribal relations. No formal consultation had taken place, no itemized list of exhibit materials had been provided, and written permissions for people depicted—including parent or guardian consent for minors—were not on file.
Because the University is governed by the California State University Systemwide NAGPRA Policy, the required review and consultation had to occur before the University accepted or displayed potentially cultural or ceremonial items and before the events proceeded. The policy calls for free, prior and informed consent, meaningful Tribal consultation and, where applicable, formal review and written agreements. With exhibit installation scheduled for November 11 and the events scheduled for November 14, there was not enough time to complete those steps responsibly.
On November 6, the university decided to postpone the exhibit, run and prayer circle, reception and related digital content pending NAGPRA review and Tribal consultation. The decision was based on policy requirements and respect for Tribal sovereignty—not on a finding about any individual, organization or dispute regarding the run’s leadership.
The university takes responsibility for the process gaps and is working to address them. Next steps include receiving an itemized list of exhibit materials, conducting a formal NAGPRA review, consulting with area Tribes and Tribal Nations connected to the run and its materials, seeking guidance from the CSU Office of Tribal Relations, and developing a campus protocol for future events involving ancestral remains, cultural items or ceremony. The program may be rescheduled after the required review and consultation are complete.
The university is committed to honoring Tribal Nations, respecting their sovereignty and cultural protocols, and taking next steps thoughtfully.
| Date | Key Development |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2026 |
The hosting unit opened its planning file for the 2026 program. |
| Sept. 30 |
A campus space request for the prayer circle was signed. |
|
October 21–23 |
The hosting unit became aware of general concerns. Community and Government Relations began gathering information, and a formal objection regarding the use of an individual’s images was received. |
|
Oct. 26
|
Twelve Tribal members, including Pit River Elders who host the run, asked the University to cancel the event and raised concerns about images of Elders and minors. |
|
Oct. 29
|
Indigenous Justice and the International Indian Treaty Council contacted President Teniente-Matson. The matter was referred to Community and Government Relations. |
|
November 1–2
|
Organizers submitted a written response. San José State University (hereinafter "the university") acknowledged the correspondence and received additional concerns from Tribal leaders. |
|
Nov. 3 |
The hosting unit confirmed that no NAGPRA review or Tribal consultation had occurred. It also confirmed that permissions were not on file, installation was scheduled for November 11 and an itemized exhibit list was still being assembled. |
|
Nov. 5
|
The university received differing communications regarding the exhibit from representatives of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh stated that the Tribe had not been consulted or involved in planning and requested time for review. |
|
Nov. 6
|
The university postponed the exhibit and related events pending NAGPRA review and formal Tribal consultation. |
|
After Nov. 6
|
The university began coordinating review, consultation, CSU guidance and development of a protocol for future programs. |
The university documented the circumstances and progress towards full NAGPRA review and shared this with Tribal, institutional and community stakeholders. This documented is dated November 10, 2026.
