I am writing to express my strong support for S1723, The Truth & Healing Commission on U.S. Indian Boarding School Policies Act. This legislation is a critical step towards acknowledging and addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of the U.S. Indian boarding school policies on Native American communities.
The legacy of these schools, which sought to assimilate Native American children by forcibly removing them from their families and cultures, has left deep scars. Generations of Indigenous people have suffered from the loss of language, culture, and family ties, as well as physical and emotional trauma. The establishment of a Truth and Healing Commission is essential to document these experiences, educate the public, and foster healing and reconciliation.
This Commission will provide a platform for survivors and their families to share their stories and seek justice. It will also play a crucial role in educating the broader public about this dark chapter in American history, which is often overlooked or misunderstood. By bringing these truths to light, we can begin to heal as a nation and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.
Furthermore, the Commission's work will help guide future policies and actions that support Native American communities in their efforts to reclaim and revitalize their cultural heritage. It will also serve as a model for addressing other historical injustices and advancing social justice and human rights.
I urge you to support S1723 and work towards its swift passage. The time is now to acknowledge the truth, honor the resilience of Native American communities, and commit to a future rooted in justice and healing.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
First sent on July 27 by Birdie Sam
