- Details
- By Jenna Kunze
Indian boarding school survivors and their descendants are invited to submit written testimony to the House Natural Resource Subcommittee for Indigenous People in support of legislation that would create a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools in the United States.
The commission would investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian boarding school policies, and would be tasked with developing recommendations on ways to: protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; support repatriation and identify the Tribal nations from which children were taken; and discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies.
The House Natural Resource Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples held a hearing on the legislation on Thursday, May 12. Boarding school survivors and leaders of organizations representing them testified in support of the legislation, often citing the abuses children endured and how that has impacted their lives.
The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is encouraging those impacted by boarding schools to submit written testimony to the subcommittee by May 26.
“The House allows for written testimony until May 26, 2022. Therefore, we are humbly asking you to share your story by emailing the House Natural Resource Committee at: [email protected] and CC NABS at [email protected],” NABS director Deborah Parker wrote on Facebook.
The Native American Boarding School Health Coalition has a one-pager that includes key provisions of the law, and information about why such a commission is necessary for Indian Country.
Testimony must be typed into a word document and submitted by emailing [email protected]. NABS created a draft template to follow for those looking for a place to start.
Tell Us What You Think
More Stories Like This
Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute Receives $1.5 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott to Advance Language Revitalization Efforts'This is all we have.' | Tribal Citizens Continue Protest of Wind River Land Grab
Osage Minerals Council Secures Landmark Legal Victory Over Enel for Trespass in Osage Mineral Estate
David Sickey Writes About the Historic Opportunity for Tribes to Secure Their Water Rights
Keepers of the Flame Storytellers Charged with Sustaining Chickasaw Essence
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
