The recent dedication of a mural in St. Paul, Minnesota, celebrating the Dakota creation story coincided with significant national conversations regarding the treatment of Indigenous peoples in the United States.
President Biden’s upcoming formal apology for the atrocities committed during the era of federal Indian boarding schools marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging historical injustices.
Missy Whiteman, an artist of Arapaho and Kickapoo descent, spoke to the painful legacy of these schools, where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families with the intent of assimilation. Whiteman highlighted the trauma endured by many, stating, There was a lot of abuse. They weren’t allowed to speak their languages. They couldn’t have their hair long, which is very important to us.
Brenda Child, a professor of American Studies at the University of Minnesota and author on the subject, noted that Minnesota had one significant off-reservation boarding school in Pipestone. She also referenced the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, the first of its kind, which was instrumental in the assimilation policies affecting Indigenous children across the country.
The dedication of the mural serves not only as a celebration of Dakota heritage but also as a reminder of the struggles faced by Indigenous communities. Community members expressed pride in the acknowledgment of past mistakes, emphasizing the importance of admitting historical wrongs for healing and reconciliation.
Erik Dahl, a Minneapolis resident, reflected this sentiment by saying, I’m proud to be an American. We’re willing to admit that there have been mistakes in the past.
Biden’s anticipated apology, set to be delivered in Arizona, represents a step towards rectifying these historical grievances and fostering a deeper understanding of the impacts of such policies on Indigenous populations.