Report: Over 900 Native Children Died in US Boarding Schools

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Facts

  • According to a probe by the US Dept. of the Interior, at least 973 Native American children died between 1819 and 1969 in federal boarding schools.[1]
  • The report, released Tuesday, claims to have found at least 74 marked and unmarked burial sites at 65 former schools.[2]
  • Acknowledging that the actual number of deaths may be higher and recommending an official apology, the report alleges the schools targeted American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people.[3]
  • While it hasn't revealed how each child died, the report suggests the probable causes include sickness and abuse. Some of the sick may have also died after being sent home.[4]
  • The department identified over 18K Indian children who were forced to attend the schools, nearly half of which were allegedly operated by religious institutions.[5]
  • The report alleges Indigenous children were barred from speaking their native languages, were separated from siblings, and often endured sexual, psychological, and physical abuse.[6]

Sources: [1]Associated Press, [2]Washington Post, [3]USA Today, [4]Guardian, [5]Reuters and [6]Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Narrative B, as provided by Smithsonian Voices. While this probe highlights the grave injustices Indigenous children faced, the survivors and their descendants must be assured that this horrific chapter of history will be duly acknowledged. This can then lead to collective healing and validation of cultural identity.