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HJR 17

Urging the United States Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jennie Armstrong and 27 co-sponsors

Alaska Legislature urges Congress to establish a federal commission investigating historical Indian boarding school policies and their impacts on Native Americans.

(H) PERMANENTLY FILED 9/23 LEGIS RESOLVE 30
#alaskanatives #boards&commissions #governmentorganization #nativeorganizations #schools
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Bill Summary · HJR 17

Legislative bill overview

This is a joint resolution from the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. The resolution calls for a federal commission to investigate the historical policies and practices of Indian boarding schools in the United States.

Why is this important

Indian boarding schools operated primarily from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, forcibly assimilating Native American children by separating them from their families and cultures. A truth and healing commission would officially document this history, acknowledge harms, and potentially inform reparations or policy changes. This is particularly relevant to Alaska, which has a significant Native population and boarding school history.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: A state resolution urging federal action has limited enforceability; critics might question whether this is a symbolic gesture without substantive impact
  • Scope and funding concerns: Questions about what a commission would actually investigate, how long it would operate, and what the federal budget commitment would be
  • Competing historical narratives: Some groups dispute characterizations of boarding schools or their long-term impacts, potentially creating resistance to an official investigation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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