Biden Apologizes For The ‘Sin’ Of A 150-Year Indian Boarding School Policy

"LAVEEN VILLAGE, Ariz. — President Joe Biden on Friday formally apologized to Native Americans for the “sin” of a government-run boarding school system that for decades forcibly separated children from their parents, calling it a “blot on American history” in his first presidential visit to Indian Country.

“It’s a sin on our soul,” said Biden, his voice full of anger and emotion. “Quite frankly, there’s no excuse that this apology took 50 years to make.”

It was a moment of both contrition and frustration as the president sought to recognize one of the “most horrific chapters” in the national story. Biden spoke of the abuses and deaths of Native children that resulted from the federal government’s policies, noting that “while darkness can hide much, it erases nothing” and that great nations “must know the good, the bad, the truth of who we are.”"

Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak reports for the Associated Press October 25, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"Native Americans Laud Biden For Historic Apology Over Boarding Schools. They Want Action To Follow" (AP)

"Reactions Mixed To Boarding School Apology" (ICT)

 

Source: AP, 10/28/2024