At least 3,104 Indigenous children died at boarding schools across the United States, according to recent findings by The Washington Post, shocking numbers significantly higher than the U.S. government's previous estimate of 973. This horrifying statistic sheds light on the dark history of forced assimilation policies aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures from the early 19th century until the 1970s.
The long-standing boarding school system operated with the intent of indoctrinating Indigenous children. These institutions were often rife with abuse, neglect, and violence. The consequences were dire, with estimates indicating not only tragic deaths but also deep, lasting scars on Indigenous communities.
Between 1828 and 1970, the reported fatalities spanned across numerous such establishments, which, as The Washington Post revealed after a year-long investigation, were characterized more accurately as "prison camps" or "labor camps" rather than educational facilities. Judi Gaiashkibos, the director of the Nebraska commission representing Indigenous peoples, pointedly remarked, "These boarding schools were not schools but were prisoner camps, labor camps," illustrating the grim reality faced by many children.
Analyzing the causes of death, the findings indicated issues such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and unfortunate accidents. Yet, there were also alarming instances where children died under suspicious circumstances, with several cases highlighting possibilities of abuse or neglect. Tragically, over 800 of these children were buried near the boarding schools they attended, often with no returns of their remains to their families—a practice deeply rooted in the systemic disregard for Indigenous life.
President Joe Biden, acknowledging these horrors, offered formal apologies to Indigenous communities, labeling these events as "atrocities committed against the Indigenous" which "deserve recognition and apologies." His administration has since started implementing measures aimed at strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and rectifying past injustices, marking a significant step toward healing.
These recent revelations not only illuminate individual tragedies but echo the broader societal struggles faced by Indigenous peoples today. Economic hardships linger on current reservations, with elevated rates of suicide and substance abuse connected back to these historical traumas. A 2022 report from Amnesty International brought attention to how systemic inadequacies continue to result in violence against Indigenous communities, particularly against women.
The dark history of U.S. boarding schools remains largely concealed until now, bringing collective grief to the forefront of public discourse. "This is a dark chapter of American history ignored and largely concealed for too long," stated The Washington Post, summing up the urgency for recognition and comprehensive analysis of this painful legacy.
Moving forward, the commitment shown by government bodies and society as a whole must go hand-in-hand with genuine reparative efforts to uplift and empower Indigenous peoples. Addressing historical wrongs can help pave the way for reconciliation and healing, fostering paths toward justice long awaited by these communities. It is clear; acknowledging the past is the first step toward building something meaningful and hopeful for the future.
