By Isaac White.

The corridors of Congress are echoing with the whispers of change and reconciliation as Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Tom Cole (R-OK-04), leading the Congressional Native American Caucus, breathe new life into the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024.

This groundbreaking legislation seeks to uncover and document the profound impacts of Indian boarding schools on Native communities, spurred by the commitment of its proponents to address the injustices faced by countless Native American families across generations.

Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and one of the first two Native women elected to Congress, alongside Tom Cole, a Chickasaw Nation member and the longest-serving Native American in the U.S. House, is steering this initiative. Their shared vision is rooted in confronting the dark legacies of these institutions, where an estimated 500 student deaths have left an indelible scar on the collective memory of Native peoples.

Representative Davids related her personal connection and motivation for the legislation, “My grandparents are survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, but many other children never returned to their families or their communities. Those that did lost generations worth of cultural knowledge, stories, and traditions,” said Congresswoman Davids. “Establishing a Truth and Healing Commission would bring survivors, experts, federal partners, and Tribal leaders to the table to fully investigate what happened to our relatives and work towards a brighter path for the next seven generations.”

The words of Congressman Cole echoed those of Davids, “For too long, the stories of Native children stripped of their heritage, families, and lives were hidden. We must bring the light of truth to this dark chapter in our nation’s history and establishing this commission is imperative to that,” said Congressman Cole. “It will provide needed answers and build a pathway to healing for survivors and tribal families. Turning acknowledgment into action will help ensure the harms of the past are never repeated.”

At the heart of the Truth and Healing Commission’s mandate is the comprehensive and interdisciplinary investigation of the policies surrounding Indian Boarding Schools, focusing on their multifaceted impacts on Native American communities.

This investigation is set to explore not only the social, cultural, economic, emotional, and physical effects these policies have had on Native Americans, Indian Tribes, and the survivors and their families but also the extended ramifications on their descendants.

The Commission’s approach to this investigation is notably exhaustive and inclusive, emphasizing the need to review existing research, historical records, and other documentation relevant to Indian Boarding School Policies. This endeavor spans a wide range of sources, from archives and document storage locations to research conducted by private individuals, entities, and religious institutions, regardless of their geographic location. A thorough review is essential for piecing together a comprehensive understanding of the policies’ impacts, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the quest for truth and healing.

Moreover, the Commission is tasked with collaborating with a wide array of stakeholders, including the Federal Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, various federal agencies, and organizations with historical ties to Indian Boarding Schools. This collaborative effort is pivotal for gathering all pertinent information, highlighting the importance of a united effort in uncovering the truth.

Additionally, the Commission’s responsibility extends to assessing the effects of Indian Boarding School Policies on the cultures, traditions, and languages of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, acknowledging the deep and lasting imprint these policies have left on indigenous identities.

An intriguing aspect of the Commission’s work involves examining and potentially acquiring objects, artifacts, and real property related to Indian Boarding Schools. This facet of the investigation recognizes the significance of material culture in understanding and interpreting the past, with a specific focus on ensuring that such items can be repatriated or returned in accordance with federal laws and regulations.

This approach respects the cultural and historical importance of these items and acknowledges the need for their careful stewardship and eventual return to their rightful communities, thereby contributing to the healing and reconciliation process.

The commission, a diverse body of experts and Native community leaders, will be appointed through a collaborative process involving the Senate’s majority and minority leaders in consultation with various congressional committees. This inclusive approach ensures that the commission’s makeup reflects a broad spectrum of expertise and lived experiences, crucial for addressing the multifaceted impact of boarding school policies.

Moreover, the legislation outlines a clear framework for nominations, emphasizing Native American preference and underscoring the importance of Indigenous leadership in the commission’s work.

The duties of the Commission are expansive, covering comprehensive investigations into boarding school policies and their effects on Native American communities, collaboration with federal and tribal entities, and assessing impacts on culture, tradition, and language.

Regular and open reporting on the progress and activities of the commission is a boon for openness. The mandate for the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act to report its findings and progress to Congress is a crucial mechanism for transparency and accountability. The legislation stipulates that the Commission must present annual reports to both the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Committee on Natural Resources.

These reports are not mere formalities but are instrumental in documenting the Commission’s yearly endeavors, financial stewardship, achievements, and obstacles. Such thorough reporting ensures that the legislative and executive branches remain informed and engaged in the Commission’s efforts to address the historical and ongoing impacts of Indian boarding school policies.

The legislation outlines a significant milestone with the requirement for an initial comprehensive report no later than four years after the Commission’s formation. This initial report promises to be a cornerstone document, offering a panoramic view of the Commission’s early findings and insights.

It is expected to encapsulate a thorough examination of pre-existing research, extend a detailed narrative of the Commission’s preliminary conclusions, and propose an initial set of recommendations. This document will not only serve as a foundation for subsequent actions and policies but will also be made publicly available, ensuring that the broader community and stakeholders have access to the Commission’s insights and proposals for healing and reconciliation.

The reporting requirements embedded in the Act reflect a structured approach to uncovering the truth about the legacy of Indian boarding schools. By mandating regular updates and a significant initial report, the Act ensures ongoing dialogue between the Commission and policymakers and a transparent process that invites public scrutiny and participation. This framework is vital for fostering a collective understanding of the past and crafting informed pathways toward healing and justice for Native American communities.

The commission’s recommendations to Congress will play a critical role in shaping future policies, including how the federal government can acknowledge its role in supporting Indian Boarding School Policies and promote public awareness and education. These recommendations are expected to guide modifications to laws, procedures, and practices to address these policies’ findings and ongoing effects.

In addition to the central commission, establishing the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee and the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee ensures that the voices of survivors and their communities are heard and integrated into the commission’s work. These bodies will focus on gathering survivor testimonies, promoting healing, and ensuring culturally responsive support.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, with unanimous passage out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and introduction into the House, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition continues to champion its cause. This concerted effort represents a pivotal moment in acknowledging and addressing a painful chapter in U.S. history, offering a beacon of hope for healing and reconciliation in Native American communities.