Native American children endured years of sexual abuse at boarding schools

Investigating the Legacy of America’s Indian Boarding Schools

The Washington Post has conducted an extensive investigation into the history and legacy of America’s network of Indian boarding schools. These institutions, which operated from 1819 to 1969, were part of a systematic effort by the federal government to assimilate Native American children into white society and strip them of their cultural identities.

Survivors Share Their Stories

Survivors of these schools have come forward with harrowing accounts of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Clarita Vargas, now 64, recalls being sexually abused by a priest at St. Mary’s Mission in Omak, Washington. Similarly, Jay, a 70-year-old member of the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes, recounted being raped by a Jesuit brother at St. Paul Mission and Boarding School in Hays, Montana.

The Role of the Catholic Church

Many of these boarding schools were operated by the Catholic Church or its religious affiliates. The Post’s investigation found that at least 122 priests, sisters, and brothers assigned to 22 boarding schools since the 1890s were later accused of sexually abusing Native American children under their care.

1. The Catholic Church’s Involvement: The church ran or was affiliated with 82 boarding schools, with the majority of documented abuse occurring in the 1950s and 1960s.
2. Systematic Abuse: Children were stripped of their names, their long hair was cut, and they were beaten for speaking their languages.
3. Seeking Accountability: Survivors have sought accountability through lawsuits, with some successfully suing Catholic dioceses and religious orders and receiving settlements.

Government Response

• Interior Department’s Investigation: Secretary Deb Haaland has launched an investigation into the history of these schools, revealing that at least 500 children died at the schools, many buried in unmarked graves.
• Legislation Stalled: Legislation to create a commission to investigate and document America’s Indian boarding schools has been introduced but has not reached the floor for a vote in either chamber of Congress.
• The Road to Healing Tour: Haaland has traveled across the country listening to survivors’ stories as part of an oral history project.

Conclusion

The investigation into America’s Indian boarding schools is ongoing, with survivors and advocates pushing for truth, accountability, and healing. The impact of these schools on Native American communities continues to be felt today, and efforts to address this dark chapter in American history are crucial for reconciliation.

If you have a tip or story idea for The Post’s investigation, you can email the team at boardingschools@washpost.com.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

Relevant SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Specific Targets Under the SDGs

• Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Indicators Implied in the Article

• Indicator for Target 4.5: The number of indigenous children, especially girls, who were forced into boarding schools and stripped of their identities implies a lack of access to inclusive and quality education.
• Indicator for Target 5.2: The number of reported cases of sexual abuse against girls by priests and other religious figures at the boarding schools.
• Indicator for Target 10.2: The systematic effort by the federal government to destroy Native American culture and assimilate children into White society indicates a lack of inclusion and equality.
• Indicator for Target 16.2: The number of children who were sexually abused at these institutions indicates the prevalence of violence against children.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article discusses the historical context and impact of Indian boarding schools in the United States on Native American children. It highlights the systematic abuse, including sexual abuse, that occurred at these institutions as part of a broader policy to assimilate Native American children into White society. The article also touches upon recent efforts by the U.S. government to investigate this dark chapter in American history.

The SDGs addressed in the article include SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Specific targets under these goals relate to eliminating gender disparities in education (Target 4.5), ending violence against women and girls (Target 5.2), promoting inclusion for all (Target 10.2), and ending violence against children (Target 16.2).

Indicators implied in the article include the number of indigenous children forced into boarding schools (Indicator for Target 4.5), the number of reported cases of sexual abuse against girls (Indicator for Target 5.2), the systematic effort to destroy Native American culture (Indicator for Target 10.2), and the number of children sexually abused at boarding schools (Indicator for Target 16.2). These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The table provided summarizes the findings from analyzing the article in terms of the relevant SDGs, their corresponding targets, and specific indicators mentioned or implied within the content.

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Fuente: washingtonpost.com

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