Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes Shawnee Statement on Committee Vote on Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: media@shawnee-tribe.com

In response to today’s vote by the House Education and Workforce Committee on the “Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024” (H.R. 7227), Chief Ben Barnes of the federally recognized Shawnee Tribe made the following statement:

“We are deeply grateful to the Committee for passing the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. For 150 years, the United States carried out policies that aimed to destroy Native American languages, cultures, and families through federally operated and funded boarding schools. It is crucial that we remember and honor the sacrifices of those affected by these policies so that future generations may learn the lessons of this historical period and current generations may find healing through understanding. We thank Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for their leadership and urge swift bipartisan approval in the full House.”

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