In the mid to late 19th century, several denominations of the Christian Church collaborated with the government in adopting an Indian Boarding School Policy to assimilate Native children. The results of this era are still felt today in the loss of tribal languages and cultural resources and contribute to ongoing intergenerational trauma in Native communities.
On Thursday September 30, 2021 Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act.
Franciscan Action Network supports this legislation which seeks healing for stolen Native children and their communities. Additionally, several of our Institutional Member Communities have also released statements of support, including:
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia
Our friends at FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation) have developed an action alert to urge support for this legislation. We urge you to raise your voice and urge Congress to work with tribal nations to get this legislation passed into law.
We will continue to keep our members apprised as we hear of new developments.