- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The proclamation recognizes that “for over 150 years, the United States pursued, embraced, or permitted a policy of forced assimilation of American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people through the federal Indian boarding school system,” including 23 Indian boarding schools in the state of Minnesota.
“Today, we honor the Native children who never returned home from U.S. Indian boarding schools in Minnesota and across the country,” Gov. Walz wrote on Twitter. “We must recognize the history and ongoing legacy of these schools to move forward with better strategies to support and protect Native communities.”
On the National Day of Remembrance, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) hosted a candlelight vigil at the Minnesota State capitol. The event featured prayers, dances and songs that honored boarding school survivors and the Native children that never made it home to their families.
“Today’s proclamation from Governor Tim Walz is an act of truth, justice, and healing. We appreciate the Governor and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan for their leadership,” Deborah Parker (Tulalip), Chief Executive Officer of NABS, said in a statement. “The irreparable harm cannot be undone, but we as a country can begin to formally acknowledge the truth about what happened to hundreds of thousands of our Native people. That is the foundation for a future of healing that our boarding school survivors and their descendants deserve.”
Tell Us What You Think
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native Bidaské with Holly Cook Macarro & Kevin H. Sharp on the Impending Release of Leonard Peltier
Native Governance Center (NGC) Recently Named Dr. Amber Annis as Its New Executive Director
United Natives announces the 2nd Annual United Natives Sports Gala in New Orleans During Super Week
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
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.
