Sponsors (27)
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Creates a federal Truth and Healing Commission to investigate the history, policies, and long-term effects of Indian boarding schools, to report findings, and to recommend federal actions to support survivors, descendants, and affected communities. The bill sets definitions, operating rules, funding, and public-reporting requirements, establishes two advisory committees (one Native American and one Federal/Religious), and requires federal agencies to treat cultural items and human remains connected to boarding schools under repatriation and co-stewardship rules while allowing reburial on Federal land. It also clarifies that the Act does not create a private right to sue.
Establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States, including any necessary advisory committees and subcommittees.
Formally investigate, document, and report on the histories of Indian Boarding Schools, Indian Boarding School policies, and the systematic and long-term effects of those schools and policies on Native American peoples.
Develop recommendations for Federal efforts based on the findings of the Commission.
Promote healing for survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, the descendants of those survivors, and the communities of those survivors.
'Commission' means the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States established by section 101(a).
Primary impacts:
Tribal communities, Native American and Native Hawaiian individuals, and survivors and their descendants: The Commission is intended to document harms, create an official record, and recommend federal actions and healing supports. Survivors and descendants may be invited to provide testimony and to receive recognition, recommendations for services, and access to repatriation/reburial processes.
Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations: Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations will be central partners in investigations, consultation, co-stewardship of sites and cemeteries, and repatriation. The law empowers tribes to engage with federal agencies on reburial and stewardship.
Federal agencies: Agencies that hold relevant records, cultural items, or land will have obligations to cooperate with the Commission, provide records, and implement repatriation and reburial or co-stewardship agreements under NAGPRA-related provisions. Agencies must also support public events and report-related activities.
Religious institutions and other entities that operated or supported boarding schools: These organizations may be called to provide records, testimony, or to participate in advisory roles; their historical records and institutional practices will be subject to review.
Researchers, historians, and service providers: The Commission’s records and public reports will expand historical knowledge and could guide future policymaking, educational efforts, and funding for trauma‑informed services.
Practical effects and considerations:
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced February 26, 2025 by Lisa Murkowski · Last progress February 26, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 139.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 119-54.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
