Washington, DC – More than 300 young adults lobbied Congress this week supporting the bipartisan Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723; H.R. 7227). They had spent the previous weekend learning about the issue, the need for the truth, healing, and justice, and how to effectively advocate on behalf of their priorities.
Contact Tim McHugh: media@fcnl.org, 202-903-2515
“Before healing can start, we must first have a full accounting of what happened at Indian boarding schools, which were funded by the federal government in collaboration with various religious groups. As a Quaker organization, we are committed to this truth and reckoning process. Together with Indigenous leaders and communities, we call on Congress to establish a federal commission to investigative the Indian Boarding School era,” said FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix.
The young adults came from 30 states and territories. Many are first-time lobbyists, this being their first visit to Capitol Hill. FCNL was honored to work with The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), the National Congress of American Indians, Native-led organizations, several Indigenous communities, as well as faith groups throughout the conference, making it a tremendous success. More than 100 Congressional visits took place in total.
“The creation of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act goes beyond mere necessity; it represents a moral imperative, serving as a beacon of hope and a commitment to truth. It is a pledge to foster a future rooted in justice and healing for Indigenous Peoples.’ This legislation will ensure the lessons of the past guide our journey towards a more just and equitable future for all,” said Deborah Parker (Tulalip), CEO of NABS.
According to the Department of the Interior, Christian churches collaborated with the federal government to create more than 400 boarding schools across 37 states/territories for Native American children throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Quakers ran more than 30 Indian boarding schools.
“The United States has a long overdue obligation to reckon with and own the Indian Boarding School Era. The federal government and faith groups who bear responsibility, including our own, must face the truth and join in healing and justice,” said Moix. “As this Spring Lobby Weekend and hundreds of young adults nationwide have shown, this issue is about the very soul of our nation. Passage of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act is a vital next step toward addressing wrongs of our past and righting relationships for the future.”
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