Report: Close to 1K Native American Children Died in US Boarding Schools
The Facts
A probe has found that at least 973 Native American children died between 1819 and 1969 in US boarding schools meant to forcibly assimilate them into white society.
The US Interior Department found at least 74 marked and unmarked burial sites at 65 former schools. The actual number of deaths may reportedly be higher.
The Spin
The trauma inflicted by the US government's boarding schools for indigenous children persists across generations, deeply affecting their communities. The recent Interior Department probe only highlights the grave injustices they faced. Survivors and their descendants are now working to ensure this dark chapter of history is remembered and addressed.
The trauma faced by Native American children in boarding schools can be addressed through reconnecting with family, culture, and community. Emphasizing family stories and resilience helps bridge the gap created by forced assimilation. Healing also comes from expressing pain through art and recognizing the historical injustices. Acknowledging the past and sharing experiences can lead to collective healing and restoration of cultural identity.