National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition launches '7 Weeks of Action for 7 Generations' campaign
On September 13, tribal and Congressional leaders from across the country came together virtually to support the launch of "7 Weeks of Action for 7 Seven Generations," a national campaign led by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS). For over a decade, NABS has worked to understand and address the ongoing trauma created by the U.S. Indian Board School Policy. Today's announcement is a critical step to building upon this movement and compelling the federal government to take accountability for the federal Indian boarding school policy era.
The virtual event featured tribal leaders, Congressional leaders, advocates, and boarding school survivors across the country. The tone and candor of the event were clear – the time for healing is now, and Indian Country is calling on Congressional leaders to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S.2907 / HR 5444).
"The time for healing is now. We heard from elected leaders and our relatives that survived this traumatic period of American history. We deserve to know the truth, to know justice, and to continue our healing," stated Deborah Parker, Tulalip, Chief Executive Officer of National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. "We cannot wait any longer. As we've stated in testimony to Congress, establishing a Congressional Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies is the most comprehensive way to investigate and document the impacts of this history."
The "7 Weeks of Action for 7 Seven Generations" virtual launch featured the following key Congressional leaders, tribal leaders, and national advocates:
- Deborah Parker, Tulalip Tribes, NABS CEO
- Robert McArthur, J.R., White Bear First Nations
- Sandy White Hawk, Sicangu Lakota, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition President
- U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk Nation, (D-KS-03)
- Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Band of Ojibwe
- Dr. Ramona Klein, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Elder/Boarding School Survivor
- Chief Ben Barnes, Shawnee Tribe