- Details
- By Jenna Kunze
PORTLAND, Ore.—The souls of more than 300 Alaska Native people who died throughout the 20th century at a psychiatric hospital more than 1,700 miles from their homes were released on their journey into the afterlife this month.
Alaska Native relatives and allies, seated around a circle in an all-day ceremony on March 9, donned regalia, prayed, sang songs, shared stories, and danced in honor of their ancestors who never came home.
Tlingit elder Bob Sam, 70, a lifelong repatriation expert and cemetery caretaker in Alaska, led the ceremony. Behind him stood a table full of children’s toys: teddy bears, marbles, and games were offered up as gifts for the young departed souls.
“In Alaska, as living people, we suffer racism, prejudice, hatred,” Sam told the attendees. “But many people don't know that our dead suffer more. Our dead are neglected and forgotten people."
Read the story at Native News Online.
More Stories Like This
Army Begins Disinterment and Return of Remains for 11 Native Children Who Died at Carlisle Indian Boarding SchoolFirst American Foster Children Need Safe, Nurturing Homes
Association on American Indian Affairs Hires Cultural Sovereignty Director
Chickasaw Historical Society Examines Food Sovereignty during Annual Conference
ZYEP's Food Sovereignty Team Shares Knowledge Through Summer Workshops & Youth Programs
Following the release of the U.S. Department of the Interior's final report, we at Native News Online took a moment to reflect on our extensive three-year effort to highlight the traumatic legacy of Indian boarding schools. By covering all 12 Road to Healing events and publishing over 250 articles, we have amplified survivors' voices and illuminated the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Our work continues. Please consider donating to help fund our ongoing coverage of Indian boarding schools.