BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Before the balance of power changes in the White House, Native Americans are pushing for an act to be passed this year: the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced in 2023. It has already been endorsed by around 80 co-sponsors in the House and a little more than 30 co-sponsors in the Senate. It would help the federal government better understand the effects of America's former boarding schools through investigations into policies and burial sites that still remain lost. Events to highlight Native American heritage, promote Native American tourism Advocates pushing for the bill say it's a way for Native Americans to capture the stories of boarding school survivors and help descendants heal from generational trauma. Under its policies, Native Americans can also make recommendations to Congress based on testimony from survivors, so the government can more appropriately accommodate Native American needs. Reports have found that 973 children were killed while in the Indian boarding school system, and researchers are still gathering evidence on the psychological, physical, and sexual abuse that occurred in the schools. If you'd like to advocate for the bill, click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW