60 Native children from Northwest died in U.S. boarding schools, among nearly 1,000 deaths nationwide

The U.S. government operated boarding schools for Native American children from the late 19th century into the 20th century with the goal of assimilating them into mainstream American society. These schools, often run by religious organizations, were notorious for their harsh discipline, forced labor, and systematic abuse. Children were taken from their families, prohibited from speaking their native languages, and subjected to strict European-American customs.

Recent investigations have brought to light troubling evidence of widespread deaths in these institutions, many of which resulted from diseases like tuberculosis, influenza, and poor living conditions. In fact, a significant number of Native children died while attending these boarding schools. For example, nearly 1,000 deaths have been recorded nationwide, including about 60 from the Northwest region. These deaths are now being reexamined as part of a broader effort to acknowledge the trauma inflicted upon Indigenous communities by these institutions.

The ongoing efforts to document and understand the impact of these schools are part of a larger reckoning over the historical mistreatment of Native American populations, including the discovery of mass graves at former school sites. These investigations are crucial for addressing the legacy of colonialism and working toward healing for affected families and communities.