Interior Department Found at Least 973 Native Children Died at Federal Indian Boarding Schools; 417 Institutions in 37 States or Territories
The Fact
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative released its final investigative report on July 30, 2024. It identified 417 federal Indian boarding school institutions across 37 states or then-territories, at least 973 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children who died while attending them, and at least 74 marked and unmarked burial sites at 65 schools. It estimated the federal government spent more than $23.3 billion (in 2023 dollars) on the system from 1871 to 1969.
What This Means
'At least' is doing a lot of work. 973 is what the records could prove; many deaths were never recorded or reported to families.
Why It Matters
The schools ran until 1969 — within the lifetime of many of today's grandparents. This is family history, not ancient history.
Sources
U.S. Department of the Interior. "Secretary Haaland Announces Major Milestones for Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative." Press release, July 30, 2024. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-haaland-announces-major-milestones-federal-indian-boarding-school
Related Facts
- How Many Native Children Were Taken From Their Families Before 1978? 25% to 35%.
- Did the Indian Health Service Sterilize Native Women? GAO Counted 3,406 in Four Areas.
- How Much Land Did Tribes Lose Under Allotment? About 90 Million Acres in 47 Years.
- How Many Cherokee Were Forced Out on the Trail of Tears? More Than 16,000. About 4,000 Died.