Deb Haaland : “Tragic History: 900+ Deaths in Native American Boarding Schools”

The devastating news of over 900 deaths in Native American boarding schools has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Reports have surfaced of the tragic loss of life, but details are still emerging about what exactly happened.

Families and communities are grieving as they wait for more information on the circumstances surrounding these deaths. The sheer magnitude of this tragedy is difficult to comprehend, and our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this heartbreaking news.

As we grapple with the enormity of this loss, it is important to remember the dark history of Native American boarding schools and the impact they have had on generations of Indigenous people. These schools were designed to assimilate Native children into white culture, often through harsh and abusive methods.

The legacy of these schools continues to haunt Indigenous communities to this day, as survivors recount stories of abuse, neglect, and trauma. The news of so many deaths in these institutions is a painful reminder of the ongoing trauma that Indigenous people have endured at the hands of colonial powers.

As we await more information on this tragedy, let us come together to support one another and honour the memories of those who have been lost. We must never forget the lives that have been taken and continue to strive for justice and healing for Indigenous communities.

The recent discovery of over 900 unmarked graves at former Native American boarding schools has brought to light a dark chapter in American history. The news has sparked outrage and calls for justice as the full extent of the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples continues to be revealed. In this article, we will delve into the history of Native American boarding schools, the impact they had on Indigenous communities, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to the children who never made it home.

### What were Native American boarding schools?

Native American boarding schools were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the United States government with the goal of assimilating Indigenous children into white culture. Children as young as five years old were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to these schools, where they were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their traditional customs. Instead, they were taught English and forced to adopt Western ways of life.

One of the most notorious of these schools was the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, founded by Captain Richard H. Pratt in 1879. Pratt famously summed up the philosophy behind the schools with the phrase, “Kill the Indian, save the man.” This mentality of cultural genocide was pervasive throughout the boarding school system, which ultimately aimed to eradicate Indigenous culture and identity.

### What happened at these schools?

Life at Native American boarding schools was harsh and dehumanizing. Children were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, forced labor, and inadequate living conditions. Many students suffered from malnutrition, illness, and neglect, leading to high mortality rates. The recent discovery of mass graves at former boarding school sites is a grim reminder of the trauma and suffering endured by Indigenous children in these institutions.

In addition to the physical hardships, students at boarding schools were also stripped of their cultural heritage and sense of belonging. By erasing their languages, customs, and traditions, the schools sought to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream American society. This systematic erasure of Indigenous identity had far-reaching consequences for generations of Native Americans.

### Why is the discovery of the mass graves significant?

The discovery of over 900 unmarked graves at former Native American boarding schools has sparked a renewed interest in uncovering the truth about what happened to the children who never returned home. For years, Indigenous communities have been demanding accountability and justice for the atrocities committed at these schools. The mass graves serve as a stark reminder of the need to confront the dark legacy of colonialism and genocide in the United States.

Efforts to locate and identify the remains of the children buried in these mass graves are ongoing, with Indigenous communities leading the way in seeking justice for their ancestors. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which investigated the legacy of Indian residential schools in Canada, has called for a similar inquiry in the United States to address the atrocities committed at Native American boarding schools.

### How can we honor the memory of the children who died in boarding schools?

As we grapple with the painful legacy of Native American boarding schools, it is important to honor the memory of the children who suffered and died in these institutions. One way to do this is by supporting efforts to uncover the truth about what happened at these schools and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. By listening to and amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities, we can begin to acknowledge the harm that was done and work towards healing and reconciliation.

In conclusion, the discovery of over 900 unmarked graves at former Native American boarding schools is a stark reminder of the trauma and suffering endured by Indigenous children in the name of assimilation. As we confront this dark chapter in American history, it is essential that we listen to and learn from the stories of those who were impacted by these institutions. Only by acknowledging the truth and seeking justice can we begin to heal the wounds of the past and move towards a more just and equitable future for all.