Kelly Statement on President Biden’s Apology for the Federal Indian Boarding School Era

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released the following statement after attending President Biden’s apology for the Federal Indian Boarding School Era at the Gila River Indian Community: 

“President Biden took an important and overdue step in acknowledging the serious harm caused by Indian boarding schools—a painful chapter in our nation’s history that is still felt in Native American communities, including Arizona’s 22 federally-recognized tribes. 

“For generations, Native children were taken from their families and communities in an inhumane attempt to erase their culture that led to the abuse and even murder of young students. This apology is a powerful reminder of the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the importance of striving to live up to our highest ideals as a nation.   

“As the Senator for Arizona, I’m committed to supporting Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural preservation. I’m grateful for President Biden’s leadership in strengthening our partnerships with Tribal Nations, and I look forward to continuing the work to right these wrongs, address longstanding injustices, and ensure Native voices are central in shaping the future of our state and our country.” 

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there were 47 Federal Indian Boarding Schools in Arizona, the second highest of any state in the country, accounting for about 12 percent of the total schools.