Biden declares Carlisle boarding school a national monument amidst tribal leaders' outcry

In a significant move to address historical injustices, Joe Biden designated a national monument at the former Carlisle Indian Boarding School in Pennsylvania, highlighting the traumatic legacy faced by Indigenous tribes. This announcement was made in early December 2024 during a summit that brought together tribal leaders from various Native American and Alaska Native communities. The Carlisle school, which operated under forced assimilation policies, was one of many institutions aimed at erasing Native cultures through abusive practices. As part of the designation, the 25-acre site will emphasize the importance of remembering this dark chapter in American history to ensure such injustices are never repeated. The monument honors the resilience of Indigenous tribes whose children suffered immense hardships within the boarding school system. Biden emphasized the need for education on this subject, noting that the monument would help inform the public about the government's harmful policies and the historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities. An estimated 973 Native American children died while attending government-funded boarding schools, which operated for over a century and a half. The administration’s actions, including the creation of the monument, aim to facilitate healing and recognition of this historical wrong. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, acknowledged the painful legacy left by the boarding schools. During her leadership, the Biden administration has undertaken initiatives to investigate the boarding school policies, bringing attention to the traumas experienced by survivors. This effort follows years of listening sessions and investigations into the historical context of these schools, where many children were forcibly removed from their families, subjected to harsh treatment, and punished for speaking their native languages. The emotional weight of this history is not lost on current leaders who strive for reconciliation. The historic designation of the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument represents a critical step toward acknowledging and addressing the long-standing grievances of Indigenous communities. It not only reinforces the commitment of the current administration to repair relationships with Native Americans but also symbolizes a broader movement to recognize and learn from past mistakes in American history, reminding future generations of the importance of cultural preservation and respect for Indigenous rights.