A Historical Overview
The Episcopal Church is grappling with its historical role in the Native American residential school system, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into European American culture. The system, operational from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, forcibly removed children from their families, prohibiting their native languages and traditions in favor of Western norms.
The Church’s Involvement and Current Efforts
The Episcopal Church ran at least 34 boarding schools, a fact that has recently come to light and prompted the church to engage in a truth-seeking process. The Executive Council allocated $2 million to investigate the impact of these schools and the church’s role in shaping federal assimilation policies.
Key Actions:
- Research Initiatives: The church is working with two commissions to review archives and document the impact of its schools. These commissions have called for bishops to provide access to relevant records and recruit additional research assistants.
- General Convention Panel: During the upcoming General Convention (June 23-28) in Louisville, Kentucky, a panel will address the ongoing impacts of these schools on Native communities.
The Broader Context
The U.S. operated 408 boarding schools between 1819 and 1969, designed to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Western culture through forced education. Similar systems in Canada led to significant legal and reparative measures, including a $6 billion settlement and an apology from Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s role.
Episcopal Church’s Role: The church’s involvement was more substantial than previously known. It played a key role in establishing the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, a model for U.S. boarding schools that emphasized cultural erasure and forced assimilation.
Critical Perspectives and Challenges
Scholars and Indigenous leaders argue that these schools were not benevolent institutions but tools for cultural genocide. The boarding school system aimed to remove Indigenous children from their families and cultures, benefiting white American officials and Christian leaders rather than the Indigenous populations.
Voices from the Indigenous Community:
- Leora Tadgerson: Refers to the boarding school period as a “genocidal era” and emphasizes the need for thorough research and acknowledgment of the church’s role.
- Pearl Chanar: Advocates for the return of land, the recovery of remains, and recognition of the harm done. She stresses the importance of uncovering and documenting the full extent of the church’s involvement.
Future Directions and Challenges
The process of uncovering the truth is fraught with challenges, including obtaining access to archival records and navigating church bureaucracy. Despite these obstacles, there is optimism about the church’s commitment to supporting survivors and advancing restorative justice.
Ongoing Efforts:
- Community Engagement: Talking circles and panels are being organized to gather testimonies and support survivors.
- Research and Advocacy: Efforts continue to locate records, provide transparency, and ensure that the church’s history is accurately documented and addressed.
Conclusion
The Episcopal Church’s efforts to confront its past with Native American boarding schools represent a significant step toward truth and reconciliation. By investigating its historical role and engaging with Indigenous communities, the church aims to address the legacy of cultural assimilation and work towards restorative justice.
FAQ
Q: What is the Episcopal Church doing to address its involvement in Native American boarding schools?
A: The church has allocated $2 million for research into its role in the boarding school system. It is seeking access to archives and recruiting research assistants to document the impact and understand its involvement in shaping assimilation policies.
Q: How does the Episcopal Church’s role compare to that of other institutions?
A: The Episcopal Church’s involvement was significant, with at least 34 schools under its management. This role has been more extensive than previously recognized, with the church playing a key part in establishing influential schools like Carlisle.
Q: What challenges are faced in uncovering the church’s historical role?
A: Challenges include obtaining access to archival records, dealing with bureaucratic delays, and ensuring comprehensive documentation of the church’s role and impact.
Q: How are Indigenous leaders responding to the church’s current efforts?
A: Indigenous leaders, such as Pearl Chanar, emphasize the need for full acknowledgment, land restitution, and recovery of remains. They stress the importance of not only documenting the past but also taking meaningful actions to address the harm done.
