NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Native American tribes and New Mexico politicians are applauding President Joe Biden for issuing a formal apology on behalf of the federal government over the abuse of Native American children in boarding schools. There were 46 Indian boarding schools in New Mexico and at least 95 children died under the state’s care. […]
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Native American tribes and New Mexico politicians are applauding President Joe Biden for issuing a formal apology on behalf of the federal government over the abuse of Native American children in boarding schools. There were 46 Indian boarding schools in New Mexico and at least 95 children died under the state’s care.
New Mexico’s Indian Affairs secretary said the boarding schools caused trauma for native families and the president’s apology is long overdue. “This apology really opens the door for meaningful dialogue that moves towards healing and restorative justice for all of these families. So we look forward to the continued effort for our people,” said Cabinet Secretary Josett Monette.
New Mexico Democratic Senator Ben Ray Lujan issued a statement on Friday:
“Today’s long-awaited apology is a step in the right direction to heal from the intergeneration trauma inflicted by the federal government’s Indian Boarding School Policies. Across our Native communities and Tribal Nations, many continue to bear the scars from this dark time in our nation’s history. I applaud President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Haaland for fully acknowledging the harms of the past and for this effort to begin on the road toward healing tribal families.
“Acknowledging the injustices of the boarding school era is just the first step toward reconciliation. I was honored to introduce the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act – legislation that seeks healing for stolen Native children and their communities, and I will always continue to fight to get this, and similar legislation passed and signed into law.
“Let us never forget the scars inflicted on our Native brothers and sisters. Today, we are entering a chapter in the reconciliation process, and we must continue to right the wrongs of the boarding school era and ensure it is never repeated.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan …Read More