In a landmark moment, President Joe Biden formally apologized for the United States' role in the tragic legacy of Indigenous boarding schools, where thousands of Native American children were forcibly taken from their families, subjected to brutal conditions, and stripped of their cultural identities. These institutions, which operated from the late 19th century well into the 20th century, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children by erasing their languages, traditions, and way of life.
The exact death toll remains elusive due to poor record-keeping, but estimates suggest thousands of children perished, with over 500 deaths confirmed through initial research by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. These schools, which operated for over a century, caused profound cultural loss and intergenerational trauma. Biden's apology comes after more than 140 years since the founding of the first federal boarding school, acknowledging the deep scars left by the government's efforts to "kill the Indian, save the man." The apology marks a significant step towards reconciliation, but much work remains to heal the generational wounds inflicted on Indigenous communities.
