President Joe Biden speaks at the Gila Crossing Community School on the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona on October 25, 2024. Photo courtesy National Indian Health Board
Earlier today, President Joe Biden delivered a historic apology for the U.S. government’s role in overseeing Indian boarding schools today, addressing decades of cultural suppression faced by Native American children.
NIHB’s Interim CEO, A.C. Locklear, JD, (Lumbee) attended the event at Gila Crossing Community School in Arizona, representing the voices of Tribal health advocates. His presence underscores NIHB’s commitment to healing and supporting Native communities.
“President Biden’s apology is a moment of validation for our communities, recognizing the profound trauma endured by generations of Native children and families—including my own mother,” said William “Chief Bill” Smith, NIHB Chairman and Valdez Native. “We view this as a step toward healing, but the journey is far from over. Our ancestors’ resilience and the preservation of our languages and cultures are a testament to our strength.”
Governor Stephen Roe Lewis introduces President Joe Biden at the Gila Crossing Community School on the tribe’s reservation in Arizona on October 25, 2024. Photo courtesy National Indian Health Board
The President’s apology follows a report from the Interior Department revealing the widespread abuses and lasting impacts of the boarding school system, as a result of the efforts of the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS).
We thank the leadership of NABS for their tireless advocacy in elevating this critical issue with Congress and other policymakers, and we call on Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act (S.1723 / H.R.7227).
“Being present for this historic apology is both an extreme honor and a heavy responsibility,” said Locklear. “It is a recognition of the generational pain and a reminder of our ongoing efforts to support the health and well-being of our communities. Healing begins with truth, and we hope this opens the door to meaningful reconciliation and resources that honor our past and secure our future. The best next step is for Congress to follow the President’s lead and pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act.”
