WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the Committee, released statements on the Senate passage of S.1723, Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. The historic legislation, authored by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and co-led by Vice Chairman Murkowski, would establish a federal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge injustices supported by the federal government during the boarding school era and help begin the healing process for survivors, descendants, communities – for those who continue to experience the intergenerational trauma and lasting legacy of these policies.
“It is no small task for us to confront the unbearable burden of our history” said Chairman Schatz. “Yet to stand before that history in silence, to remain idle while these wounds persist, is to turn away from one of the most fundamental acts of justice and healing that we are in a position to do something about. We have to turn the light on and let the truth out. This is the work that we have done in the Senate. We hope that the House takes action and passes this incredibly important measure into law.”
“I thank Senator Schatz, Senator Warren, the Native American Boarding School Coalition, our teams, and the many advocates, survivors and families who’ve help advance this legislation,” said Vice Chair Murkowski. “As a Committee, we have worked diligently on this bill because for far too long the dark legacy of the Indian Boarding School Era was unrecognized and unacknowledged. I have heard numerous stories from those who attended boarding schools – some from the state of Alaska, some outside of the state. I thank all those who’ve uncovered those scars and shared their painful experiences on the need for this Commission, which will provide a process for communities to share truth and pursue healing with the goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.”
“My bipartisan bill is now one step closer to bringing a long-overdue reckoning for the horrifying and dehumanizing practices our government imposed on Native American children for over a century,” said Senator Warren. “I am deeply grateful for the partnership of the tribal communities that have fought for this bill for years, and of Senators Schatz and Murkowski in getting this bill passed in the Senate. Progress is never one and done, and I remain committed to supporting Native American communities in the fight for justice.”
“We are overwhelmed with tears of joy as S-1723 moves one step closer to becoming law,” said Deborah Parker, CEO, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition CEO. “This is a moment we’ve waited for so long – one that brings hope and healing to Native American communities, children, and survivors of this dark chapter in our history. We urge the House to act swiftly and pass this bill before Congress adjourns, so the truth can finally be acknowledged, and the healing can truly begin. This is a long-overdue step towards justice for those who have suffered for generations.”
The legislation passed unanimously after Schatz and Murkowski led an effort on the Senate floor for immediate consideration of the bill with an amendment, following bipartisan negotiations. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration.