Biden Acknowledges Government’s Past Mistakes in Indian Boarding School Era

In a historic moment for Native American communities, President Joe Biden formally apologized on Friday for the harmful legacy of federally-funded boarding schools that Indigenous children suffered in the United States for over a century. Addressing an audience at the Gila Crossing Community School near Phoenix, he acknowledged the neglect of this issue for decades. “Quite frankly, there’s no excuse that this apology took 50 years to make,” Biden stated.

During the event, Biden emphasized the importance of recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of American history. “We must know the good, the bad, the truth of our great nation,” he declared. The ceremony, attended by nearly 300 individuals, began with traditional songs and dances from the Tohono O’odham, Salt River, and Pipasha Indian Communities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that the boarding schools aimed to suppress.

From the early 1800s until the 1970s, more than 520 government-sponsored boarding schools operated with the intent of eradicating Native American culture. The prevalent mindset was captured in the phrase, “Kill the Indian, save the man.” Survivors of these institutions frequently faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as documented in the Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report, which also reported that at least 973 children died in these settings.

Gila River Governor Stephen Lewis reflected on the ongoing impact of this dark chapter of history, stating, “Now, we can begin the healing that will resonate far into the future.” Biden underscored the need for public awareness, noting a 2019 study indicating that over half of American public schools fail to mention Native Americans in their curricula, and 87% do not address their history after 1900.

“As president, I think it’s important that we do know,” Biden remarked, pledging to correct the narrative of history. At the boarding schools, Indigenous children were stripped of their identities, compelled to abandon their languages, clothing, and even their hairstyles. Professor Sheilah Nicholas from the University of Arizona commented on the indoctrination tactics used, recalling the humiliation some endured for speaking their native tongues. This fear silenced generations, severing the transmission of cultural languages.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American in a presidential cabinet, echoed the sentiment of resilience against systemic oppression. “The federal government failed!” she proclaimed, emphasizing that Indigenous cultures persist despite attempts to obliterate them. Haaland shared that her own grandparents were victims of this abusive system.

Governor Lewis acknowledged Biden’s commitment to Native communities, praising initiatives like a groundbreaking solar project in the Gila River Community. This innovative endeavor, covering 2,700 feet of the Casa Blanca Canal with solar panels, aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce water evaporation.

Biden also highlighted his administration’s substantial investments in Indian Country, which include three executive orders aimed at reforming federal funding, enhancing public safety, and expanding educational opportunities for Native youth. His administration has allocated a historic $32 billion through the American Rescue Plan Act and $13 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which targets critical infrastructure in Tribal communities.

“No apology can make up for the darkness of the federal boarding school era,” Biden concluded. “But today, we’re finally moving forward into the light.” As the event wrapped up, attendees expressed their gratitude with chants and traditional songs, signifying a hope for healing and progress.