Lawmakers Introduced Boarding School Remembrance Resolution
The bipartisan House resolution designates a national week to honor Native children impacted by federal boarding schools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Native American
U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids and Tom Cole have introduced a House resolution to designate September 27 through October 3, 2026, as Indian Boarding School National Week of Remembrance. This measure honors Native children who were forcibly removed from their families under federal policies.
Why it matters
The resolution aims to acknowledge the enduring trauma inflicted upon survivors and Native communities by the federal boarding school system. It serves as a formal effort to confront historical abuse and forced removal policies dating back to the 1800s.
Federal data identifies 526 boarding schools that operated across 38 states. Kansas specifically hosted 14 of these institutions, including the site now known as the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site.
The players
Sharice Davids
She is a U.S. Representative who advocates for legislation addressing the history and legacy of Native American boarding schools.
Tom Cole
He is a U.S. Representative who co-sponsored this bipartisan resolution to recognize the experiences of Native students.
The details
The resolution is part of a broader push by Representatives Davids and Cole, who have also introduced legislation to establish a federal Truth and Healing Commission. The week of remembrance seeks to educate the public on the systemic impact of these schools, which were mandated by government policy for over a century.
Timeline
Federal boarding school policies originated in the 1800s.
The Indian Boarding School National Week of Remembrance is set for September 27 – October 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
The move aligns with an ongoing national shift toward confronting historical injustices through public recognition and institutional accountability. This resolution extends the legislative work initiated by the Truth and Healing Commission.
Residents can utilize this week to engage with local historic sites, such as the Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway, Kansas, to better understand regional history. This designation encourages public participation in commemorative events and educational programs nationwide.
The takeaway
The resolution underscores a growing national commitment to acknowledging and addressing the history of Native American boarding schools. Readers can participate by researching the history of such institutions in their own communities to better understand these lasting impacts.
Further reading
For more context on the historical and modern efforts concerning indigenous heritage, see the Native American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kclyradio.
