September 30th is recognized as the National Day of Remembrance for Indian boarding schools. This is a day to honor the victims and survivors of U.S. Indian boarding schools and recognize the ongoing trauma resulting from federal Indian boarding school policy.

In the United States, 367 Indian boarding schools existed and were operational between 1860-1978. According to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), by 1926, more than 80% of Indigenous school-age children were attending boarding schools that were run either by the federal government or religious organizations.

Indian boarding schools have profoundly harmed the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health of Indigenous peoples, creating a legacy of chronic trauma and unresolved grief passed down across generations. As part of our ongoing commitment to advance racial and health equity in Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is supporting NABS through the Racial Equity Action Committee for Health (REACH). With support from Blue Cross, NABS is providing culturally based healing and mental health resources for survivors of Indian boarding schools and their families.

A legacy of intergenerational trauma

Indian boarding schools were designed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into white society. “Kill the Indian- Save the Man” was the doctrine of forced assimilation and boarding school policy. In boarding schools, Indigenous children were stripped of all connections to their culture. They were prohibited from speaking their language, wearing traditional clothing or practicing their spirituality. Violence and corporal punishment, along with physical, mental and sexual abuse were routinely used against children.

“Indigenous people are still experiencing the impacts of intergenerational trauma caused by Indian boarding schools,” says Deidre Whiteman, director of research and education at NABS. “Many survivors are alive today, sharing their stories and experiences. The National Day of Remembrance is a day to remember what these children experienced, how they survived, how they didn’t survive and how we can move forward together on a path of healing so that no child is forgotten.”

“Understanding the legacy of federal Indian boarding school policy and how trauma is passed down through generations is a starting point for those who work in healthcare." – Deidre Whiteman, NABS Director of Research and Education

“NABS helps support survivors by talking with survivors one-on-one, providing local resources to survivors, hosting an ongoing virtual healing series, and distributing yearly care packages,” says Deidre. “There is also currently a bill in both houses of Congress that proposes the formation of a Truth and Healing Commission on U.S. Indian Boarding Schools.”

Increasing understanding of Indian boarding schools as a pathway towards healing

Indigenous people have been living with the traumatic legacy of boarding schools for decades. Yet, most Americans are unaware or know very little about U.S. Indian boarding schools, or how they continue to impact the health of Indigenous communities today.

“A day of remembrance is important for educating people, because this history has not been taught in our society and it is integral to our health and wellbeing as Indigenous peoples,” says Sandy White Hawk, board president of NABS. “When we educate about boarding schools and begin to share our stories, we open up pathways to healing.”

“When we educate about boarding schools and begin to share our stories, we open up pathways to healing." – Sandy White Hawk, NABS Board President

Supporting boarding school survivors in being able to share their stories and creating greater understanding of the lasting impacts of Indian boarding school policy are critical steps towards healing. “Understanding the legacy of federal Indian boarding school policy and how trauma is passed down through generations is a starting point for those who work in healthcare,” said Deidre.

How you can support the National Day of Remembrance

Educate Yourself and Family

U.S. Indian Boarding School History

National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Boarding School Resource Database Center

National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Truth and Healing Curriculum

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has developed a curriculum on U.S. Indian Boarding Schools for teachers and parents to use with their students and children.

Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report

U.S. Department of the Interior

Attend a Community Event

7 Weeks of Action for 7 Generations

Tuesday, September 13 at 2:00 p.m.

At this virtual event, you can learn more about efforts to create a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School. Speakers include Deborah Parker, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition CEO, Fawn Sharp, National Congress of American Indians President, Indian Health Board Representatives and more.

A Night of Remembrance

Thursday, September 29, 6:00-8:00 P.M.

University Avenue West/Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. BLVD

Saint Paul, MN, 55103

Join NABS for a Night of Remembrance: Honoring Boarding Schools Survivors and Those Who Never Made it Home on September 29th from 6-8 p.m. We will hold a candlelight vigil by the Minnesota State Capitol while also offering song, dance and prayer. Healers and counselors will be on-site.