A Long-Overdue Apology: President Biden Addresses the Pain of Federal Boarding Schools in U.S. Historic Speech

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On October 25, 2024, at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, President Joe Biden delivered a historic and emotional apology to Native American communities for the suffering caused by federal boarding schools. He acknowledged the "sin on our soul" that these institutions represent and recognized the trauma endured by Native children and their families. For many Indigenous people, this acknowledgment is a powerful step toward healing generations of harm inflicted by a system designed to erase First Nations’ culture and identity.

Many elders, who were themselves survivors of these schools, attended the event in Arizona. Their presence underscored the importance of Biden’s apology, a necessary step toward reconciliation.

“I don't think it's possible to move forward into any type of healing, any type of reconciliation until you have the apology,” said Mark Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians in California and president of the National Congress of American Indians. “It really can't be overstated how important this step is. It is rare for a president, a world leader, to apologize for the actions of a country, a country's citizens, against another group of citizens within that country.”

The History and Legacy of Federal Boarding Schools

Federal boarding schools for Native American children were established in the 19th century with the stated goal of assimilating Native youth into Euro-American culture. The institutions forced children to abandon their languages, customs, and spiritual beliefs, often using physical punishment to enforce these rules. Beyond cultural suppression, many children were subjected to physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse. Families were broken apart, and generations grew up with a forced disconnection from their heritage, contributing to widespread generational trauma that still resonates today.

This history is painful but essential to remember as the United States seeks to right past wrongs. For decades, survivors and their families have advocated for recognition of their suffering and called for government accountability.

The Call for a Truth and Healing Commission

In his speech, Biden acknowledged these traumas and spoke about the work his administration has done with tribal communities over the last four years. His administration has invested in improving infrastructure on tribal lands, addressing water rights, supporting language revitalization, and recognizing tribal sovereignty.

The need for a comprehensive approach to healing remains. American Indian groups call for the establishment of a Truth and Healing Commission to provide a platform for survivors and their descendants to share their stories, fostering greater understanding and accountability; a national memorial to honor survivors and ensure that the abuses of the boarding school era are never forgotten and, we hope, never repeated; plus mental health support for those affected by generational trauma, and systemic changes to support more resources for community rebuilding efforts. Financial reparations have also been recommended as a way to address the economic impacts that communities have endured as a result of historical injustices.

Secretary Deb Haaland and the Importance of Language Revitalization

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was when Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo and the first Native American to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, introduced herself in her Native language. This small act carried significant weight, as Native languages were often beaten out of children in boarding schools. Language, for many Native people, is the heart of culture, connecting them to their ancestors and traditions.

Secretary Haaland’s use of her language symbolized a rejection of the erasure that boarding schools attempted to enforce. It also underscored the current administration’s commitment to supporting language revitalization efforts, helping to restore and preserve Native languages that were once forcibly suppressed.

The Role of Apologies and the Work Ahead

Addressing the deep scars left by boarding schools requires more than symbolic gestures; it requires an ongoing commitment to truth, healing, and justice. Survivors and their descendants need resources, mental health support, and sustained investment in their communities to rebuild and heal from the trauma inflicted on their families.

Biden’s apology is a significant step, but it must be followed by concrete action to support Native communities on their path to healing truly. The generational trauma from the boarding school era cannot be erased, but through acknowledgment, accountability, and meaningful support, the United States can work toward healing and reconciliation.

This journey is far from over, but there is hope that the apology marks the beginning of a new era—one where Indigenous communities are honored, their cultures are celebrated, and their rights are respected.

You may reprint this article with proper credit: Written by Sue O’Halloran at www.SusanOHalloran.com