President Joe Biden announced his plans to issue a formal apology to America’s Indian nations for the historical mistreatment of tribal children in federal Indian boarding schools. “Iâm heading to do something that should have been done a long time ago: to make a formal apology to the Indian nations for the way we treated their children for so many years,” Biden stated during a press conference on Oct. 24.
During his visit to Arizona on Oct. 25, Biden will visit the Gila River Indian Community to deliver this apology, becoming the first president to do so for the federal education program that forcibly assimilated Native American children into “white” American culture. The policy, established by the Indian Civilization Act of 1819 and abolished by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, led to the creation of over 400 government and religious boarding schools across the country.
These schools were associated with incidents of abuse and the suppression of native languages, with at least 973 children reported to have died in these institutions. The White House stated that Biden’s apology signifies a crucial step in acknowledging past wrongs and fostering improved federal-tribal relationships.
Furthermore, Biden’s administration has allocated significant funding from various sources to support Native American tribes and communities, including investments in infrastructure, internet access, transportation, and climate resilience programs. The president will also highlight his administration’s efforts to protect tribal treaty rights and appoint Native Americans to key positions.
Biden’s visit to Gila River comes ahead of a crucial election in Arizona, where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for votes. This historic apology and recognition of past injustices aim to pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful future.
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