Today, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) proudly joins communities across the country in recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, a momentous occasion to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in the United States. This day serves as an important reminder to honor the resilience of Native peoples and communities and reflect on the complex and often painful history that Indigenous peoples have endured.
In recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, NABS highlights the tragic legacy of U.S. Indian boarding schools, which sought to assimilate Indigenous children by erasing their cultural identities, languages, and traditions. From the early 1800s to the mid-20th century, these government- and church-funded institutions forcibly removed tens of thousands of Native children from their families and communities. The trauma caused by these schools has left deep scars that continue to affect Indigenous peoples across generations.
"Indigenous Peoples' Day is a day of celebration, but also a day of reflection and acknowledgment of the difficult truths in our nation's history," said NABS Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Parker (Tulalip Tribes). "The legacy of U.S. Indian boarding schools remind us of the resilience of Indigenous people and the importance of addressing historical injustices. As we honor survivors and those lost to these institutions, we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples in the ongoing journey of truth, healing and justice."
In light of recent efforts to address this history, including the U.S. government's investigation into unmarked graves at former boarding school sites, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition calls on federal and state institutions to continue pursuing transparency, truth-telling, and healing. We also encourage education systems to incorporate Indigenous histories and perspectives, including the boarding school era, into their curricula so future generations can better understand the full scope of America's history.
How You Can Take Action
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Learn more about the history of U.S. Indian boarding schools by visiting resources such as the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
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Donate to support Indigenous-led organizations that advocate for healing and justice for Indigenous peoples and communities.
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Use this day to elevate Indigenous voices and support policies that safeguard and empower Native nations, including the passage of Senate Bill 1723/House Resolution 7227: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Policies Act.
As we commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day, let us not only celebrate the strength and contributions of Indigenous communities but also commit to supporting their rights, sovereignty, and healing.
