Biden to address Tribal Nations Summit and announce new monument

In the United States, President Joe Biden announced the designation of the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School as a national monument during the Tribal Nations Summit held on December 9, 2024. This historic site, which is located in Pennsylvania, symbolizes the resilience of Indigenous tribes who suffered under the forced assimilation policies of past U.S. governments. Between 1879 and 1918, over 7,800 children from around 140 Native American tribes were taken from their families and sent to Carlisle, where they faced harsh conditions and a loss of cultural identity. The establishment of this national monument is aimed at acknowledging and confronting the dark history associated with Indian boarding schools. Biden emphasized that the intention is not to erase history, but to recognize the good and the bad, thereby contributing to healing and understanding. The significance of the monument extends beyond its physical presence as it also serves as a site for ongoing research and discussions regarding the mistreatment of Native peoples in the past. In his remarks, Biden highlighted the government’s role in the forced removal of children from their families, calling it “wrong.” His administration has committed to investing in the revitalization of Native American languages, which have significantly diminished due to these assimilation policies, by implementing a ten-year plan aimed at preserving and promoting Indigenous languages across the country. The Biden administration has already allocated substantial funding to support various Native American initiatives, further reinforcing its commitment to rectify the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. As part of future plans, the monument is expected to be managed by both the National Park Service and the U.S. Army. This collaboration is meant to ensure the site's preservation and educational potential, allowing visitors to learn about the impact of the boarding school system on Native American families. Ongoing initiatives are expected to illuminate the legacies of trauma stemming from these institutions, and the administration's approach aims to foster dialogue that respects tribal sovereignty and the rights of Native American communities.