Honoring Native American Heritage Month

Joannie Suina (Pueblo of Cochiti)

MINNEAPOLIS – As we commemorate Native American Heritage Month this November, we reflect on the resilience and contributions of Native American communities across the nation. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the deep history and rich cultures of Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing impact of historical injustices, including the legacy of Indian boarding schools.

In a recent pivotal moment, President Biden issued a formal apology for the United States’ role in the Indian boarding school system, which aimed to erase Indigenous identities and cultures. This acknowledgment marks a crucial step toward healing the wounds inflicted by these policies. We recognize that true healing requires both recognition and action.

This month, we call attention to S.1723/H.R. 7727 – the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act that is currently under consideration. The time is now to take action to ensure its passage, allowing us to preserve the voices of survivors and their descendants to support their healing journey. Join us in advocating for future generations by contacting your Congressional representatives in Washington, D.C., to urge them to pass the Truth and Healing Bill this year, boardingschoolhealing.org/advocacy/takeaction/

We also advocate for clemency for Leonard Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe and a survivor of the Indian boarding school system, having attended Wahpeton Indian School from 1952 to 1955. Mr. Peltier, an Indigenous rights activist, has come to represent broader injustices experienced by Native American communities. Granting him clemency would be a meaningful step toward justice and a commitment to addressing historical wrongs.

As we celebrate the rich traditions, languages, and histories of Native American peoples this month, we must also confront the realities of our shared past. By honoring the voices of Indigenous communities and advocating for truth, justice, and healing, we can advance towards a future built on respect, understanding, and equity.

Let us use this month as a catalyst for change, uniting in our commitment to support Indigenous rights and ensure that the lessons of the past inform a more just and equitable future for all.

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is dedicated to advocating for Native peoples impacted by U.S. Indian boarding schools. NABS seeks truth through education and research, justice through activism and policy advocacy, and healing through programs and traditional gatherings, boardingschoolhealing.org.

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