Two Native American tribes—the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and the Washoe Tribe—have filed a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that it failed to uphold treaty obligations by establishing a network of boarding schools designed to assimilate Native children. The lawsuit highlights the abuse and trauma suffered in these schools, citing thousands of deaths and ongoing mental health issues for survivors and their descendants. Tribal leaders call this suit essential for accountability and healing, as they seek recognition of the deep scars left by these injustices.
"Resources were dedicated to harm our people, to weaponize the education system against our people," said Tasha R. Mousseau, vice president of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.
"There's a healing to having the federal government look at it and see that. They won't be able to deny this was done. Part of healing is accountability when you've been harmed," she said.
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