In a poignant moment during a recent government meeting, a speaker addressed the lasting impact of federal Indian boarding schools on Native American communities. Highlighting the trauma experienced by those who returned home, the speaker emphasized the physical and emotional wounds that have been passed down through generations.

Despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, the policy of these boarding schools persisted, resulting in the enrollment of tens of thousands of Native children. The speaker noted that nearly 1,000 documented deaths of Native children occurred within this system, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. This legacy has led to lost generations, eroded cultures, and a deep mistrust among Native communities.

Describing the situation as a \"sin on our soul,\" the speaker called for a moment of silence to honor those who were lost and to acknowledge the ongoing trauma faced by survivors and their descendants. This reflection underscores the need for continued dialogue and action to address the historical injustices faced by Native Americans.