Truth and reconciliation process is one way to address legacies of suppression, displacement, broken treaties
Native American Heritage Month, observed in November, was signed into existence in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush. Decades of effort led up to that point. By 1915, Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca historian, and Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Native, had begun advocating for the national recognition of Native American history and culture.
Besides the familiar role of heritage months in platforming diverse cultures, histories and contributions, Native American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to examine complex historical and ongoing issues, including centuries of broken treaties, forced displacement and cultural suppression. One potential way of addressing these legacies would be the establishment of a comprehensive truth and reconciliation process that acknowledges the U.S.’s colonial past.
Native communities have shown cultural resilience in the face of historical and ongoing traumas. Historical oppression includes well-known elements such as Indian boarding school policy which was carried out in the late 19th century. The goal of these schools was to assimilate Native children into mainstream colonial culture. The methods used were harsh and often violent. Many boarding schools were marked by instances of abuse, cultural erasure and neglect.
In May 2022, the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Report, overseen by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, identified more than 400 schools across 37 states. The report documented systemic abuses, including forced assimilation and the deaths of Native children, identifying over 500 deaths. Due to incomplete and lost documents, the precise number of deaths is unknown.
A July 2024 report expanded on these findings, increasing the number of schools to 417 and confirming 973 child deaths. Additionally, the report identified 74 burial sites at 65 locations associated with these schools. The 2024 report included eight recommendations, such as issuing a formal government apology, repatriating the remains of children, financial reparations and creating memorials. Advocates of truth and reconciliation see actions like this as a step toward a more comprehensive process.
Learning from Canada’s efforts
The U.S. discussion on truth and reconciliation draws inspiration from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was launched in 2008 to address the history of Indian residential schools in Canada. The TRC gathered survivor testimonies, led to formal government apologies and facilitated reparations of over $3 billion. The Canadian experience demonstrated that publicly acknowledging the full extent of colonial policies can play a key role in fostering healing. The TRC culminated a 94-point call to action, focusing on reconciliation, cultural preservation, and government accountability (Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future, 2015).
While the Federal Boarding School Initiative is a significant step forward, it differs from Canada’s model in some respects, particularly regarding reparations. Assistant Interior Secretary Bryan Newland highlighted the need for resources to support Native efforts, but financial reparations remain an unresolved issue in the U.S. As advocates have noted, meaningful reconciliation may require more comprehensive discussions on reparations to address the long-term impacts of these policies.
The Road to Healing tour
In 2023, Haaland initiated the Road to Healing tour, visiting 12 locations across the U.S. The tour provided a platform for survivors of boarding schools and their families to share their stories with government officials. The testimonies collected during the tour are preserved and made publicly accessible on the Federal Boarding School Initiative website, highlighting stories of hardship, survival and recovery.
The tour also facilitated the collection of oral histories from survivors, an important step toward acknowledging the full scope of historical injustices. Supported by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, this initiative marks an effort to formally document the experiences of Native peoples.
At the Tulalip stop of the tour in April 2023, the event opened with traditional songs and prayers from Tulalip drummers and singers. Glen Gobin, a Tulalip Tribal member, remarked, “The boarding school era tried to take many, if not all, of [our traditions] away… but we kept what we could,” illustrating both the challenges and the resilience of Native communities.
Cultural genocide and legislative barriers
For much of U.S. history, the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples were legally restricted. The Code of Indian Offenses (1883) and the Indian Religious Crimes Code (1884) prohibited many traditional ceremonies, dances, and other religious activities.
It was not until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) in 1978 that Native Americans were legally permitted to freely practice their religions. However, the damage from the bans, which lasted for decades, significantly disrupted the transmission of cultural and spiritual knowledge.
Local efforts
In Whatcom County, both the Lummi and Nooksack tribes are engaged in environmental restoration efforts that also tie into cultural preservation. The Lummi Nation has focused on restoring fish habitats through the Smuggler’s Slough Restoration Project, which reconnected 640 acres of salt marsh habitat. Supported by the NOAA Coastal Wetlands Program and the Tribal Wildlife Grant, the project is significant both environmentally and culturally (NOAA, 2023 and Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, 2024).
The Nooksack Tribe has concentrated efforts on restoring endangered spring chinook salmon habitats in the South Fork Nooksack River. Supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and NOAA funding, the tribe has implemented log jams to mimic natural river processes, aiding salmon recovery and improving floodplain habitats (Fisherman’s News, 2024).
These projects serve both ecological and cultural purposes, as salmon play a vital role in the tribes’ traditional practices such as subsistence source as well as in ceremonial and spiritual practices.
Sovereignty, education and culture
For any meaningful truth and reconciliation process, there must be a commitment to respecting Native sovereignty and self-determination. Native American tribes are sovereign nations with the right to govern themselves, manage their lands, and control their resources. Reconciliation would require the U.S. government to honor its treaty obligations and respect tribal sovereignty, including the right to protect sacred sites and manage natural resources.
For too long, Native American history has been overlooked or inaccurately represented in mainstream education. Revising school curricula to include Indigenous perspectives and ensuring Native voices lead these efforts is critical to fostering a more comprehensive understanding of U.S. history and the legacy of colonization.
Educational initiatives should extend beyond classrooms, with public programs and discussions helping all Americans understand the contributions of Native peoples and the impact of federal policies on their communities.
Cultural preservation plays an essential role in healing for many Native communities. Indigenous languages, traditions, and spiritual practices have faced threats for centuries, but many tribes continue to work toward revitalizing them. These efforts represent not only resistance to historical suppression but also important acts of cultural survival and healing.
Call to action
As we observe Native American Heritage Month, it is important to pair celebration with concrete actions. Truth and reconciliation provide a path forward, offering a means to acknowledge the past while working toward justice and healing.
Here are several ways to contribute:
- Advocate for policy reform: Support initiatives like the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative and advocate for policy changes that include reparations and support for Native sovereignty.
- Support Indigenous organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations focused on cultural preservation and healing, such as the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
- Engage in environmental advocacy: Tribes such as the Lummi and Nooksack are leading environmental restoration projects. Support these efforts by participating in local advocacy or environmental groups.
- Amplify Native voices: Share the work of Native authors, leaders, and activists. Highlighting their perspectives is crucial in bringing greater attention to reconciliation efforts.
True reconciliation requires ongoing commitment from both Native and non-Native communities. By actively participating in these efforts, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
— By Sstipsn Kalime (Thrisa Phillips Jimmy)