On June 7th, 2023, a significant milestone was reached as a crucial piece of legislation gained unanimous bipartisan support. The Senate's Indian Affairs committee passed the bill introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, known as the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States. This bill aims to address the historical trauma inflicted on Native Americans through the federal government's Indian boarding school policies from 1819 to the 1960s.
If passed, the legislation would establish a commission appointed by the president, tasked with making recommendations on actions that the Federal Government can take to acknowledge, redress, and heal the deep wounds caused by these policies. The commission's focus would include protecting unmarked graves, supporting repatriation, and ending modern-day Indian child removal policies.
Senators emphasized the significance of this bill for Indigenous communities, highlighting the importance of healing and justice. Senator Maria Cantwell expressed her support, emphasizing that the bill would guide the healing journey and ensure that native voices are heard and acknowledged.
Deborah Parker, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), commended the senators for their efforts in passing this historic bipartisan bill. The organization has been a staunch advocate for the legislation and expressed gratitude for its reintroduction and strengthening.
This bill signifies a crucial step towards truth, healing, and justice, acknowledging the lasting impacts of forced assimilation through the Indian boarding school policies. It paves the way for meaningful change and a better future for Native American communities.
