Senate Bill 761, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, seeks to establish a federal commission to investigate and document the United States’ role in the operation of Indian boarding schools. From the 1800s through the 20th century, these schools were tools of forced assimilation that removed Native children from their families, languages, cultures, and traditions—causing generational trauma that persists today.

This bill is about truth, justice, and healing. 

• Bill Number: Senate Bill 761 (S.761)

• Official Title: Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

• Sponsor: Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R-AK] and Sen. Brian Schatz [D-HI]

• Co-sponsors: Bipartisan support

• Status: Passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

NABS is working with Congress to pass S.761, a bill to establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States. 

The bipartisan bill:

• Is supported by various faith-based community groups, organizations, and Tribes.

• Creates a commission to investigate the Indian boarding school era.

• Locates Native American children and records.

• Uplifts the voices of Indian boarding school Survivors.

• Seeks Truth, Justice, and Healing for all Americans.

• Will make recommendations to Congress.

• Make a final report publicly available

“Kill the Indian, and save the man.” – Richard H. Pratt, architect of the Indian boarding school system

• Over 80% of Native children were placed in these schools during the peak of the policy.

• Thousands died in these institutions due to neglect, abuse, and disease.

• Survivors often faced severe trauma, language loss, and abuse.

• Intergenerational effects continue to impact Native communities.