Voices of Survivors, Legacy of Healing

A landmark oral history project documenting Native American boarding school survivors is nearing completion in Tulsa, Oklahoma, capturing over 360 testimonies across 19 states for permanent preservation at the Library of Congress. Spearheaded by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, the initiative began in March 2024 to confront the systemic abuse and cultural genocide inflicted under assimilation policies dating back to the 1800s. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a descendant of survivors, has led listening tours and released reports revealing nearly 1,000 Native children buried at school sites and widespread atrocities. Survivors like 74-year-old Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic say sharing their stories brings healing and closure, supported by trauma-informed resources including quiet rooms and therapists. As the project concludes, partnerships with the Smithsonian and the Department of the Interior aim to share these videos publicly—with survivors retaining full control over their stories. The coalition already plans a larger, more ambitious next phase to expand the record and ensure future generations understand the enduring legacy of these traumatic institutions, honoring Indigenous resilience and confronting historical injustice. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/349f8ee9d43df092