In a significant moment for Native American relations, US President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt apology on 25 October 2024 for the government’s historical treatment of Native American children, many of whom faced forced removal from their families and abusive conditions in boarding schools.
Acknowledging a Painful Legacy
Speaking at the Gila River Indian Community in Laveen Village, Arizona, Biden described the longstanding system as one of the “most horrific chapters” in American history. For over 150 years, the government operated a network of boarding schools aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures, with appalling reports detailing instances of abuse and the deaths of nearly 1,000 children.
- Over 400 schools were situated across 37 states.
- Children as young as four were forcibly removed from their families.
- Biden’s apology aligns with similar actions in other countries recognizing historical injustices.
Voices from the Community
Accompanying Biden was Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. In her remarks, she emphasized the resilience of Native cultures despite attempts to annihilate them, stating, “we are still here”. The apology comes amid a broader initiative under Biden’s administration, which has focused on increasing investment and support for Native American communities.
Context of the Apology
This formal apology follows a growing recognition of historic abuses faced by Indigenous populations across the globe. Prominent instances in Canada have launched discussions in the United States and beyond. The administration aims to reconcile and educate on these painful histories.
Reflections on Future Steps
Biden reflected, “I know no apology can or will make up for what was lost during the darkness of the federal boarding school policy,” urging a collective move towards healing and remembrance. His statement reinforces a commitment to transforming the narrative and histories being taught in schools—a step towards recognising and honouring the past.