President Biden Apologizes for Native American Boarding Schools, Marks Historic Visit to Arizona

President Joe Biden made a significant visit to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona on Friday, marking his first trip to a Native American tribe during his presidency. This visit fulfilled a promise he made to tribal leaders two years ago to engage with Native American communities.

During his visit, President Biden formally apologized for the federal government’s role in operating Native American boarding schools, which he described as a “horrific era” in the nation’s history. These schools, which operated for over 150 years until 1969, forcibly removed Native American children from their families in an attempt to assimilate them, often subjecting them to neglect, abuse, and even fatal conditions. An Interior Department report revealed that at least 973 children died while attending these schools.

The apology is seen as a historic step in addressing the historical injustices faced by Native American communities. The White House emphasized that this visit and apology are part of the president’s effort to rectify past wrongs and usher in a new era of federal-tribal relationships. Biden discussed his administration’s achievements in supporting tribal communities and reiterated his commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty and upholding treaty obligations.

The timing of the visit, just weeks ahead of the 2024 presidential election, has drawn criticism from Republicans, who suggest it is a political maneuver aimed at courting Indigenous voters. However, Democrats are keen to mobilize Native American voters in pivotal swing states like Arizona, which could influence the election outcome. Vice President Kamala Harris has also been actively engaging with Native American communities, including a recent visit to the Gila River Indian Community.

The visit highlights the importance of Native American voters in crucial states such as Arizona, Montana, and Wisconsin. Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis emphasized that these votes could determine the outcomes in closely contested races. The Biden-Harris campaign has intensified its outreach efforts, including hiring staff dedicated to connecting with Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes and investing in advertising through tribal media.