Truth and Healing Commission for Native Schools

Official: Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026

IntroducedFebruary 3, 2026

Native Americans

Why This Matters

This bill establishes a commission to investigate the harmful effects of Indian Boarding Schools on Native American communities and recommend ways to promote healing. It aims to address historical injustices and support those affected.

If you are a descendant of someone who attended an Indian Boarding School, this bill could help your community heal from past traumas.

Affects: Survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, their descendants, and Native American communities will be directly impacted by this bill.

Summary

Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States within the legislative branch and sets forth its powers, duties, and membership. Among other duties, the commission must investigate the impacts and ongoing effects of the Indian Boarding School Policies (federal policies under which American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children were forcibly removed from their family homes and placed in boarding schools). Further, the commission must develop recommendations on ways to (1) protect unmarked graves and accompanying land protections; (2) support repatriation and identify the tribal nations from which children were taken; and (3) discontinue the removal of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families and tribal communities by state social service departments, foster care agencies, and adoption agencies.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill creates a Truth and Healing Commission focused on Indian Boarding Schools. 2. The Commission will investigate and report on the history and impact of these schools. 3. It aims to recommend actions for healing and support for affected communities. 4. Advisory committees will help guide the Commission's work. 5. The bill seeks to promote healing for survivors and their descendants.