Native American Boarding School System

SOURCE www.npr.org
The U.S. Interior Department released a report acknowledging the harm caused by the Native American boarding school system, proposing federal funding for healing initiatives and a national memorial. The report details the traumatic impact of the system, the number of schools and burial grounds, and the deaths of at least 973 children. The government is called upon to invest $23.3 billion in tribal communities for programs like family reunification and language revitalization.

Key Points

  • Federal government accepting responsibility for creating the boarding school system
  • Proposal for federal funding of $23.3 billion to support healing and rebuilding of families and communities
  • Calls for a national memorial and repatriation of remains of children who died in the schools

Pros

  • Acknowledges historical injustice and trauma caused by the boarding school system
  • Calls for federal funding to support healing initiatives and programs in tribal communities

Cons

  • Confirmation of at least 973 deaths of children in the boarding schools
  • Acknowledgement of deliberate actions taken by the federal government to isolate Native American children