SC Oklahoma News

Last week, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole and Congresswoman Sharice Davids, hosted an event in Washington, D.C., shedding light on the significance of investigating Indian Boarding Schools.

During the event, the Representatives emphasized the importance of their legislation, H.R. 7227, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024. This bill aims to establish a formal commission to delve into the histories and injustices of Indian Boarding Schools, as well as the impacts they had on Native communities.

Congressman Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, expressed his commitment to advocating for these issues, stating, "It is not lost on me the duty I have to educate and fight for these issues and to bring light to this dark chapter in our nation’s history." He added, "Establishing this Commission will hopefully bring these communities one step closer to healing and peace for themselves, their families, and future generations."

Congresswoman Davids echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of learning from the past for a better future. She remarked, "If children were able to endure and survive the Indian boarding school era, then we should be able to find it in ourselves to fully investigate what happened to our relatives and work towards a brighter path for the next seven generations."

The event also featured speakers such as Moses Brings Plenty, Kaniehtiio Horn, and Chief Benjamin Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe, who shared personal stories about the abuses experienced by themselves or their family members at Indian Boarding Schools. Nearly 83 percent of Native children were attending these schools by 1926.

The gathering aimed to bring together survivors, Tribal leaders, and advocates to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of Indian boarding schools and to inform policy-makers and congressional staff about the need for action.

To access the presentations from the event or to learn more about the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024, interested individuals can visit the provided links.