In a groundbreaking statement, President Joe Biden has issued a formal apology to Native American communities, acknowledging the painful legacy of U.S. boarding schools that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and cultures at the Gila Crossing Community School, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Laveen, Ariz. The apology marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to confront a dark chapter in its history, reflecting growing awareness and dialogue about the generational impacts of these policies. For nearly a century, Native American children were taken from their homes and placed in government and church-run boarding schools under policies aimed at “civilizing” Indigenous communities by erasing their languages, traditions, and cultural identities. These schools, often abusive and neglectful, have left lasting trauma in Native American communities across the country. Generations of Indigenous people have spoken out about the harms endured, from physical and emotional abuse to forced assimilation practices.
Speaking at an event dedicated to Indigenous People Day, President Biden acknowledged the federal government’s role in these schools and the harm they caused.
“We cannot change the past,” Biden said, “but we can face it. We can acknowledge the suffering endured by Indigenous communities and begin to pave a path toward healing and justice.”
Biden added that while the apology is symbolic, the administration is committed to making tangible changes to support Native American communities moving forward. The apology comes as part of a broader federal initiative that aims to address systemic issues facing Native American tribes, including healthcare disparities, education gaps, and environmental injustices. This year, the Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and the first Native American to serve in the role, launched an investigation into historical boarding schools and the traumas they inflicted on Indigenous families. Haaland has advocated for transparency and accountability, aiming to provide descendants of boarding school survivors with records and resources to reclaim lost family histories and identities.
The reaction within Native American communities has been mixed, with many elders expressing relief that long-held truths are finally being recognized. In contrast, others stress that more must be done beyond apologies. Leaders in Indian Country have called for federal support for mental health resources, language revitalization programs, and financial reparations as part of the healing process. For many Native Americans, the apology is a first step on a long journey. The impact of the boarding school system is still felt deeply, with descendants of survivors grappling with disrupted cultural continuity and intergenerational trauma. Organizations and tribal governments continue to work to heal from these harms, with some hoping that Biden’s apology will bring increased support and recognition to these efforts.
As President Biden acknowledged in his address, “While words alone cannot undo the pain, let them be the foundation for a future where Native American communities can thrive without the shadows of the past.”
This apology, he emphasized, is a call to action, inviting the nation to listen, learn, and join in efforts to repair and reconcile the wounds of history.
