
Establish a U.S. Truth & Healing Commission
The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act would establish a federal commission that would conduct a full inquiry into the assimilative polices of U.S. Indian boarding schools. This federal commission would:
- Examine the location of children
- Document ongoing impacts from U.S. Indian boarding schools
- Locate church and government records
- Hold culturally-appropriate public hearings to collect testimony from survivors and descendants
- Gather institutional knowledge from subject matter experts
- Share findings publicly
- Provide a final report with a list of recommendations for justice and healing
Status of the Bill
The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) has been working with members of Congress to reintroduce and pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.
In June 2023, the bill was amended and passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs led by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). S. 1723 is being prepared for a full Senate vote.Â
We are currently waiting for the House bill to be introduced, which is being led by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS). Once it is introduced, the bill will need to be passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources before going to the House floor for a full vote.
Last updated: September 29, 2023
become an advocate for the bill
Want to support the U.S. Truth and Healing Commission Bill? Whether you are an individual or represent a Tribe, organization, or group, you can find resources in our toolkit that allow you to advocate for the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723). Click the button below to access template letters and resolutions, social media resources, and informational materials that you can use in your outreach.

On September 27, 2023, NABS's hosted a virtual conversation on the U.S. Truth and Healing Commission Bill with special guests Rep. Sharice Davids and cast and crew from Reservation Dogs.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the history of Indian boarding schools:Â Healing Voices Volume 1: A Primer on American Indian and Alaska Native Boarding Schools in the U.S.