A new report has uncovered the horrific extent of sexual abuse in Native American boarding schools, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history with far-reaching health consequences for Indigenous communities. The investigation, conducted by the nonprofit National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, exposes a systemic pattern of abuse that has contributed to generational trauma and ongoing health disparities.
The report documents over 500 cases of sexual abuse across 63 former boarding schools, spanning from the 1800s to the 1980s. These government-run institutions, which aimed to assimilate Native American children into white society, became breeding grounds for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
The long-term health impacts of this abuse are staggering. Survivors and their descendants face higher rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and chronic diseases. The trauma has been passed down through generations, contributing to the health disparities that continue to plague Native American communities today.
Notably, the report highlights the inadequacy of current support systems for survivors. Many victims have struggled to access appropriate mental health services and legal recourse, further exacerbating the health challenges faced by these communities.
This investigation serves as a crucial step in acknowledging the historical injustices that have shaped the health landscape for Native Americans. It underscores the urgent need for targeted healthcare interventions, culturally sensitive mental health support, and broader efforts to address the root causes of health disparities in Indigenous populations.
See: “Sexual abuse of Native American children at boarding schools exposed in new report” (December 21, 2024)
