Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States and sets forth its powers, duties, and membership.

Among other duties, the commission must investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian Boarding School Policies (federal policies under which American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were forcibly removed from their family homes and placed in boarding schools).

Further, the commission must develop recommendations on ways to (1) protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; (2) support repatriation and identify the tribal nations from which children were taken; and (3) discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies.

Bill 117 HR 5444, also known as the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the historical trauma and injustices inflicted upon Native American communities through the Indian boarding school system.

The bill proposes the establishment of a Truth and Healing Commission, which would be tasked with investigating and documenting the impacts of the Indian boarding school policies on Native American individuals and communities. The commission would also be responsible for recommending appropriate measures to address the lasting effects of these policies.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to provide resources and support for Native American communities to engage in truth and reconciliation processes, as well as to promote healing and understanding among all Americans about this dark chapter in US history. Overall, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act aims to acknowledge and address the historical trauma experienced by Native American communities as a result of the Indian boarding school system, and to work towards healing and reconciliation for all those affected.