FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 25, 2024

Contact: Curtison Badonie | [email protected]

Albuquerque, NM – In response to President Joe Biden’s historic apology delivered today for the federal government’s role in the atrocities committed against Native American children in boarding schools, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) has issued the following statement from Executive Director Tiffany Jiron.

“Today, we at the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) welcome President Joe Biden’s historic apology for the federal government’s role in the atrocities committed against Native American children in boarding schools. This acknowledgment marks a significant and long-overdue step towards healing the deep wounds inflicted upon Indigenous communities across the country.

“The boarding school era represents one of the darkest chapters in American history, characterized by the brutal assimilation practices aimed at erasing Indigenous identities, cultures, and languages. The tragic loss of nearly 1,000 Native children, as documented by the Department of the Interior, and the unmarked burial sites serve as a stark reminder of the systemic violence that Indigenous people have endured. President Biden’s words resonate profoundly with families and communities who have carried the weight of this history for generations.

“It is essential that this apology is not merely symbolic but is accompanied by actionable commitments to repair the harm done. We call upon the federal government to support comprehensive reparative measures that honor the lives of those lost and the families affected. This includes investing in resources that empower Native communities, support cultural revitalization, and address the ongoing impacts of this traumatic legacy.

“Moreover, as we reflect on this apology, we must recognize that the echoes of the boarding school era continue to influence contemporary issues, including the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis. The systemic injustices that began with the boarding schools have created an environment where Indigenous lives are still undervalued, and we must actively work to dismantle these structures.

“CSVANW stands ready to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with federal, state, and local governments to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women and families are heard and prioritized in policy-making. We are committed to advocating for justice, healing, and empowerment for our communities, and we urge all stakeholders to join us in this essential work.

“Today’s apology is a pivotal moment for acknowledging our past, but let it also be a catalyst for transformative change that honors the resilience and strength of Native peoples. Together, we can forge a future that respects and uplifts Indigenous voices and ensures that such atrocities are never repeated.”

For more information or media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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CSVANW is an award winning organization at the forefront to a dynamic approach to the tribal domestic and sexual violence fields that is demonstrating the most effective, creative and innovative ways to address and prevent the cycle of violence within tribal communities.