Report Reveals Deaths of Native American Children in Boarding Schools

A recently released report from the U.S. Department of the Interior reveals that at least 973 Native American children died while attending federally operated boarding schools, with significant numbers of fatalities reported in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The investigation, part of a broader initiative launched by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in 2021, also identified 74 burial sites across 65 schools. Many deaths were attributed to illness and abuse, reflecting a dark period of U.S. history that sought to forcibly assimilate Native American children from the 1800s through the 1960s. Haaland has called for a government apology and substantial federal funding to support healing initiatives for the affected communities. The report underscores the lasting impact of these schools on Native American identities and cultures, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and reparative actions. The findings expand upon previous estimates, marking a significant step in addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.