In response to President Joe Biden's recent apology regarding the federal government's involvement in the mistreatment of Native American children in boarding schools, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) has issued a statement. Executive Director Tiffany Jiron highlighted the historical impact of these institutions, describing them as "one of the darkest chapters in American history" due to their "brutal assimilation practices."
Jiron pointed out that nearly 1,000 Native children were lost during this era, as documented by the Department of the Interior. She emphasized that President Biden's apology is significant for families and communities affected by this history. However, she stressed that the apology should lead to "actionable commitments" to repair past harms.
The CSVANW calls on the federal government to implement reparative measures that honor those who suffered and support affected families. This includes providing resources for cultural revitalization and addressing ongoing impacts from this legacy.
Furthermore, Jiron noted that issues like the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis are linked to injustices rooted in the boarding school era. She urged for efforts to dismantle structures undervaluing Indigenous lives.
CSVANW expressed readiness to engage with various levels of government to ensure Indigenous voices are prioritized in policymaking. They remain committed to advocating for justice and empowerment within their communities.
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