Federal Probe into Indian Boarding School Gravesites Seeks to Bring Healing
The United States is about to undertake a national investigation into hundreds of American Indian boarding schools that from the 1800s through the 20th century served to "kill the Indian to save the man," according to one school's founder.
On June 22, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative in an address to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) during a virtual conference. It came weeks after the discovery of 215 Indigenous children's remains were found at a school site in British Columbia.
While hopes are high the DOI's initiative's final report may establish a foundation of historical evidence, without resources to address the profound impacts of forced relocations and boarding schools on Native people, paths toward long-term healing could be compromised. For more information please use this link.
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children has launched their new website. The Commission's new website provides information on the individual Commissioners and the Native Advisory Committee. It also includes background information on the Commission, statements released by the Commission as well as information on hearings, links to videos and information about upcoming hearings.
The National Indian Health Board, in collaboration with CDC, has launched a new resource hub! Many Tribal individuals, families, and communities have been impacted by childhood experiences causing physical and mental health adversities throughout the lifespan. However, with understanding and effort, individuals and communities can confront Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) for positive health outcomes. This information hub, launched by the National Indian Health Board includes a "resource basket" designed for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, communities, professionals, and leaders to rummage through, harvesting resources. This Hub can assist Tribes to learn more about ACEs, research, tools, and interventions. Visit the ACES hub here.
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Reaffirms the Constitutionality of the ICWA
FBI Seeks to Identify Rightful Owners in Cultural Artifacts Case: The efforts to identify and repatriate the cultural property-which included approximately 500 sets of human remains looted largely from Native American burial grounds-is ongoing, and the FBI is now publicizing the case, along with an invitation-only website detailing the items, in the hopes of gaining further assistance from governments around the world and from Native American tribes.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will no longer honor teams with Native mascots. "In honoring Washington and Kansas City's football teams, we became part of the problem. Our organization won't honor racism anymore." Read the full article here.
The healing power of heritage, Interventions rooted in Indigenous traditions are helping to prevent suicide and addiction in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
The hidden health inequalities that American Indian and Alaskan Natives face, the IHS is the primary health care provider for most American Indians. It is responsible for providing health care under historical treaty agreements between the federal government and tribes.
The National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice
This new Center aims to improve life opportunities for youth by advancing policy and practice improvements that ensure the well-being of youth, families and communities. Take a look at their Resources section, has all types of resources that might be helpful.
