Tragic Revelations
An investigation commissioned by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has uncovered a dark chapter in American history, revealing that at least 973 Native American children died in U.S. government boarding schools. This shocking discovery highlights the devastating impact of a system designed to assimilate Native American children into white society forcibly.
5 Key Points
- At least 973 Native American children died in U.S. government boarding schools
- Marked and unmarked graves found at 65 of over 400 boarding schools
- Deaths occurred during 150 years ending in 1969
- Causes of death included sickness and abuse
- Additional deaths may have occurred after children were sent home ill
The Scope of the Boarding School System
The U.S. government established over 400 boarding schools as part of a deliberate strategy to eradicate Native American culture. These institutions operated from 1819 to the 1960s, with federal laws and policies supporting their existence. By 1926, more than 80% of Indigenous school-age children – approximately 60,000 – were attending these schools.
The boarding school system was critical to the government’s broader assimilation policy. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland described it as “a concerted attempt to eradicate the quote, ‘Indian problem,’ to either assimilate or destroy native peoples altogether.” This policy aimed to isolate Native American children from their families, languages, and cultural practices, effectively severing their connections to their heritage.
The financial investment in this system was substantial. The investigation found that the schools and related assimilation programs received $23.3 billion in inflation-adjusted federal spending. This significant allocation of resources underscores the government’s commitment to its assimilation agenda.
Treatment of Native American Children
Native American children in these boarding schools faced severe mistreatment and cultural suppression. The schools forced children to:
- Adopt English names
- Undergo military-style drills
- Perform manual labor, including farming and railroad work
- Abandon their native languages and cultural practices
Former students have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences, including physical abuse, solitary confinement, and food deprivation. Many left the schools with limited job prospects due to inadequate education.
The investigation revealed that children were punished harshly for speaking their native languages. They were often locked in basements, had their hair forcibly cut to erase their cultural identity, and endured beatings. The schools prioritized basic vocational skills over comprehensive education, leaving many graduates ill-equipped for future employment opportunities.
Donovan Archambault, an 85-year-old former chairman of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana, shared his experience. Sent to boarding schools at age 11, he faced mistreatment, forced haircuts, and language suppression. The trauma led to years of alcohol abuse before he turned his life around decades later. Archambault’s story exemplifies the long-lasting impact of these schools on individuals and communities.
Calls for Accountability and Healing
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary, has called for the federal government to acknowledge its role in this dark history. Recommendations include:
- A formal government apology
- Investment in healing programs for Native American communities
- Funding for education, violence prevention, and indigenous language revitalization
Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe in New Mexico, expressed that she was personally “sorry beyond words.” However, she suggested a formal apology from the federal government. The Interior Department has recommended that the government invest in programs to help Native American communities heal from the traumas caused by boarding schools.
These recommendations emphasize the need for financial support proportional to the spending on the original boarding school system. This approach recognizes the scale of harm inflicted and the corresponding scale of effort required for healing and reconciliation.
The Path Forward
Efforts are underway to address the long-lasting impacts of the boarding school system. These include:
- Legislation to establish a “Truth and Healing Commission.”
- Apologies from religious institutions involved in running the schools
- Increased awareness and education about this often-overlooked history
A bill pending before Congress aims to establish a “Truth and Healing Commission” to document and acknowledge past injustices related to boarding schools. This bipartisan effort, sponsored by Democrat Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and backed by Republican Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, represents a step towards national recognition and reconciliation.
Religious institutions have also begun to acknowledge their role in this history. U.S. Catholic bishops issued an apology in June for the church’s involvement in the trauma experienced by Native American children. In 2022, Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church’s cooperation with similar boarding schools in Canada, recognizing the destruction of cultures, the severance of families, and the marginalization of generations.
As the nation grapples with this painful legacy, many hope that acknowledging past injustices will pave the way for healing and reconciliation. The process involves formal apologies legislation and broader education about this often-forgotten American history chapter. As Archambault stated, “An apology is needed. They should apologize. However, there also needs to be a broader education about what happened to us. To me, it’s part of a forgotten history.”
FAQ
Q: How many Native American children died in U.S. boarding schools?
A: The investigation found at least 973 Native American children died in these schools.
Q: When did these boarding schools operate?
A: The boarding school system operated for 150 years, ending in 1969.
Q: What was the purpose of these schools?
A: The schools aimed to assimilate Native American children into white society forcibly.
Q: Have any steps been taken to address this historical injustice?
A: There are calls for a government apology, healing programs, and legislation to establish a Truth and Healing Commission.
Q: Did religious institutions play a role in these schools?
A: Many schools were run by religious organizations, some with federal support.
Citations:
Brown, M. (2024, July 30). A.P. investigation finds at least 973 Native American children died in abusive U.S. boarding schools. Count On 2. https://www.counton2.com/news/national-news/ap-investigation-finds-at-least-973-native-american-children-died-in-abusive-us-boarding-schools/
