In honor of Native American Heritage Month, there has been more focus on Indigenous history and the experiences of Native youth. According to the City of Philadelphia, Native American history is not just an academic subject, but a story that is part of the personal identities of those with Native heritage.
The creation of Federal Indian Boarding Schools was part of an effort to erase Native cultures, leading to lasting harm in Native communities. A 2024 U.S. Department of the Interior report revealed the harsh conditions children endured at these schools, including physical abuse like belt beatings and injuries from lye soap. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition notes that hundreds of thousands of Native children were taken from their homes to attend these institutions from 1869 to the 1960s. Author Dorothy Roberts, connects the history of these schools to modern child welfare systems, saying they are "rooted in settler colonialism as well as slavery," and continue to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, as reported by the City of Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, a city originally inhabited by Native peoples, the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson includes a land acknowledgment in its mission statement. This acknowledgment recognizes the strength and resilience of local tribes, such as the Lenni-Lenape People of Lenapehoking and the Poutaxat of Delaware Bay. The statement emphasizes the importance of "honoring their history, presence, and future," and advocates for the return of former Federal Indian Boarding School sites and original tribal lands. Additionally, the Office supports the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, which aims to protect Native children and families by ensuring fair practices in child placement and removal. The community is encouraged to learn about this history, support survivors, and advocate for justice, working toward a future where all children feel valued and supported, as stated by the City of Philadelphia.
