In a historic moment for the United States, President Biden formally apologized for the federal Indian boarding school policy, marking the first official acknowledgment of its impact on Native American communities. Speaking at a tribal school in Arizona, Biden expressed regret for the pain caused by the program, which lasted for over 150 years and has left a lasting mark of shame on American history.

\"This apology is long overdue,\" Biden stated, emphasizing the need to rewrite history accurately and to confront the injustices that have been largely ignored in public discourse and education. He acknowledged the silence surrounding these events, noting that just because history has been overlooked does not mean it did not occur. \"While darkness can hide much, it erases nothing,\" he said.

The president highlighted the importance of remembering the past to foster healing, asserting that great nations learn from their history rather than erase it. He credited the work of survivors, descendants, and advocates, including Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, whose own family experienced the boarding school system. Haaland has been instrumental in documenting the history and impact of these schools.

Biden's apology is seen as a significant step toward addressing the historical injustices faced by Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Native Alaskans. He called for the truth to be acknowledged and heard across the nation, framing the apology as part of a broader commitment to rectify past wrongs and move forward from the shadows of failed policies.