Boarding School Apology Initiative

 

In December of 2009, President Obama signed into law, a bill that acknowledges the failed policies of the U.S. Government to forcefully assimilate Native Americans into the mainstream society through the Boarding Schools. 

 

Over 500,000 children were taken from their families and warehoused in institutional boarding schools where they were abused emotionally, mentally, physically, sexually, and spiritually. 

 

This lasted from around 1879 to the 1960s.  The trauma experienced by these children was passed down from generation to generation.  Many of the issues of poverty, alcohol and substance abuse, child neglect, suicide and even criminal activity has its roots in the historical and intergenerational trauma resulting from parents and grandparents being stripped of their cultural ties and identities.

 

The Law requires that the President deliver a public apology from the U.S. Government to the Native American people.  The Wellbriety Movement and White Bison are strongly encouraging the President to make this apology. We believe that a public recognition and acknowledgement of the abuses of the Boarding School era can be a step towards forgiveness and healing of our Native people. 

 

Your donations help us promote this effort and provide resources for the healing of our people.

 

Click here to learn more about the Boarding School Apology Initiative.