Resources on Residential Schools 

In 2021, the Department of the Interior, under the leadership of Secretary Deb Haaland, launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to confront the painful legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies. This initiative aimed to recognize the lasting harm these schools caused to Indigenous children, their families, and their communities. Its overarching goal is to address the intergenerational trauma stemming from decades of forced assimilation practices, including the separation of children from their families and cultures. By shedding light on the injustices of the past, the initiative seeks to create a pathway for healing and accountability. The DOI’s first report was released in 2022.

You can read the full report here.

Or you can listen to the full report here.

In 2023, the Department of the Interior released the second report as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. This report expanded on the findings of the first, providing a deeper examination into the history, operations, and legacy of federal Indian boarding schools across the United States. It included further documentation of the abuse and trauma faced by Native children, as well as the lasting effects on communities and families. The report also outlined ongoing efforts to identify unmarked graves and to repatriate Native children’s remains, marking a significant step toward healing and accountability