The president’s apology is only a first step for the indigenous peoples of the United States
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a formal apology from the president Biden for the horrors committed against Native American children in boarding schools marks a historic and long overdue recognition for Native peoples across the country. For too long, the truth about these boarding schools and the US government’s systematic effort to erase Native culture and language – one of the darkest moments in the country’s history – has been intentionally hidden.
This historic moment is the culmination of decades of relentless advocacy by activists, survivors, and their Native families who demanded justice and refused to allow these atrocities to be forgotten.
This apology is a significant step toward justice for Indigenous Country, but it should not be the end of the government’s efforts. True accountability requires comprehensive action – starting with full transparency about the extent of these abuses and the return of the remains of Native children to their families and communities.
The pain and suffering perpetuated against families at the hands of the United States government still continues to impact our community through generational trauma, and while this apology cannot erase the shock caused, it can serve as the foundation for a new era of speaking out. truths and justice.
We must continue to demand greater accountability for the harms done to Native peoples, especially Native children who suffered neglect, inhumane conditions, physical and sexual abuse, and death under the guise of education. The federal government must commit to supporting Native-led healing initiatives, language revitalization programs, and cultural preservation efforts to effectively begin repairing the harms of the past.
