1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The history of Indian boarding schools in the United States represents a tragic and shameful period of forced assimilation and cultural erasure inflicted upon Native American children and communities. These institutions, operated by the federal government and churches for over a century, aimed to strip Indigenous youth of their identities, languages, and traditions through harsh disciplinary measures and abuse. The lasting trauma from this systemic oppression continues to reverberate through generations. Uncovering the full truth about these policies and providing a path for healing is an essential step towards reckoning with this dark chapter and working to repair the immense damage done. The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act would establish a federal commission to thoroughly investigate and document the horrific realities Native children faced in these schools. It is a vital and long-overdue measure to bring justice, accountability, and closure to Indigenous communities. I urge you to support the passage of this bill as a crucial step in acknowledging and atoning for these heinous acts of cultural genocide against Native peoples.