Biden apologizes to indigenous peoples for the “sin” of government boarding schools

US President Joe Biden formally apologized to Native peoples on Friday for the “sin” of a government-run boarding school system that for decades forcibly separated children from their parents, calling it a “stain on history.” of the United States.”

“It is a sin in our soul,” Biden said on his first presidential visit to indigenous territory, his voice full of anger and emotion. “Frankly, there is no excuse why this apology has taken 50 years.”

It was a moment of contrition and frustration, as the president sought to recognize one of the “most horrible chapters” in national history. Biden spoke about the abuses and deaths of Indigenous children that resulted from the federal government’s policies.

“I formally apologize as president of the United States of America for what we did,” Biden said.

“The federal Indian boarding school policy, the pain it has caused, will only be a significant mark of shame, a stain on our history. For too long, all of this happened virtually without public attention, without it being written about in our history books, without it being taught in our schools.”

Democrats hope Biden’s visit to Gila River Indian Community lands outside metro Phoenix will also provide a boost to Vice President Kamala Harris’ turnout effort in a battleground state.

The moment gave Biden a fuller opportunity to highlight his and Harris’s support for Native peoples, a group that has historically favored Democrats, in a state he won by just 10,000 votes in 2020.

The race between Harris and former President Donald Trump is expected to be equally close, and both campaigns are doing everything they can to win votes.

Analysts say Biden could help Harris attract voters from Native peoples, a group that has lagged others in turnout rates.

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