- Details
- By National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
In recognition of the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, observed each year on September 30, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) honors the lives of Native children taken from their families, remembers those who never returned home, and stands with survivors, their descendants, and Tribal Nations who continue to carry the weight of this history.
From the early 1800s through the mid-20th century, the U.S. Indian boarding school system sought to erase Native identity by forcibly removing children from their homes, languages, and cultures. Many endured neglect, abuse, and deep loss; thousands never made it back to their families. The generational trauma caused by these institutions continues to impact Native Nations today.
“We remember the children who never made it home, and we honor the survivors whose strength ensures their stories are not forgotten. They remain always in our hearts.” said NABS Chief Executive Officer Deborah Parker (Tulalip Tribes). “The Day of Remembrance brings us together to honor a painful history while reaffirming our collective commitment to truth, justice, and healing within our communities.”
As the Nation confronts this painful chapter in history, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition urges all Americans to learn about the enduring impacts of the boarding school system and to actively support efforts that promote healing and justice for Native communities.
“We honor the lives forever impacted by this painful legacy, recognize the courage and strength of Survivors and Native communities, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to support healing, truth, and understanding,” said NABS Board President, Chief Benjamin Barnes (Shawnee Tribe).
NABS encourages communities across the country to take part in events, conversations, and actions that promote truth, healing, and understanding. By coming together, we can honor survivors, amplify their voices, share their stories, and support their healing journeys.
Below are five simple yet meaningful ways to observe the Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools (Orange Shirt Day):
-
Wear Orange – Put on an orange shirt to honor survivors and remember those who never came home. Share why you’re wearing it to spark conversations.
-
Learn and Share – Take time to learn about the history and impact of Indian boarding schools, then share resources or stories with friends, family, or on social media.
-
Support Survivors – Donate to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) to help fund truth, healing, and justice efforts.
-
Create Space for Reflection – Observe a moment of silence, light a candle, or attend a remembrance event in your community.
-
Uplift Native Voices – Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch films created by Native authors and filmmakers, and recommend them to others.
To learn about the impact of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, and to explore organizations, states, and communities that support and honor the Day of Remembrance, please visit boardingschoolhealing.org.
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher