President Joe Biden is set to issue a formal apology for the historical abuse and forced assimilation of Indigenous children in U.S. boarding schools. Over 150 years, these schools subjected thousands of children to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. "I'm doing something I should have done a long time ago," Biden stated, emphasizing his regret for the suffering inflicted on Native American children.
This event marks Biden's first visit to a tribal nation as president. He will be joined by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to lead the agency, who initiated an investigation into the boarding school system. "I would never have guessed in a million years that something like this would happen," Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, shared.
The investigation highlighted that more than 18,000 children, some as young as four, were forcibly taken to schools aimed at erasing their cultural identities. The report identified at least 973 deaths, likely an underestimate, with over 500 schools involved in this tragic history. The Interior Department documented gravesites linked to these schools, underscoring the need for accountability and healing.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. described the apology as "a profound moment" for Native people, acknowledging how children were stripped of their culture and language. "Our children were made to live in a world that erased their identities," he said, reflecting the enduring impact on Native communities.
Biden's apology aligns with global movements of acknowledgment and reconciliation. Similar apologies have been issued in countries like Canada and Australia, where forced assimilation policies devastated Indigenous populations. Pope Francis also expressed remorse for the Church's role in Canada's residential schools, seeking forgiveness for the harm inflicted on Indigenous families.
While this apology is an "important step," as Hoskin noted, he urged continued action to address ongoing issues stemming from this painful legacy. The White House's statement reinforced the importance of remembering this history to prevent future harm and promote healing across Native communities.
Link: AP News