“As we all know, this school was founded as part of a deliberate, systematic effort to extinguish your culture; to literally annihilate who you were and what you believed in. But look at you today. The Native languages that were once strictly forbidden here now echo through hallways and in your dorm room conversations at night. The traditions that this school was designed to destroy are now expressed in every square foot of this building – in the art on your walls, in the statue in your MSC building, in the Po Pay Day song and dance performances in your plaza, in the prayers and blessings that you offer in your heart room.”— Michelle Obama
Break the Silence, Begin the Healing
NABS acknowledges the need for awareness, education, and healing from the intergenerational effects of boarding schools in Indian County. It strives to provide materials and resources for the nation to continue the healing of those impacted and raise awareness about the history of boarding schools. NABS contracted with Kauffman & Associates, Inc., (KAI) to develop a national education campaign as part of a project grant from the Tzó-Nah Fund. This campaign plan will guide NABS in meeting its goals of increasing public awareness and continuing to expand their reach to those impacted by the boarding school era.
NABS continues to confront a sensitive period of history for Indian Country. This communications strategy is designed to help move toward truth, reconciliation, and healing from the impact of boarding schools. NABS has fully considered the nature of the movement by identifying its audience and the tone necessary to move forward on addressing and securing the healing and truth of boarding school survivors.
By addressing the history, sharing our testimonies, and providing resources, we will increase the awareness of all those impacted by boarding schools and their descendants to help foster resilience and support healing.
Check back soon for progress on the Healing Voices Movement.