For too long, the history of Native American people in the United States has been marginalized or, worse, been rewritten or gone un-taught. A crucial part of this history includes the horrific experiences of Native Americans in Indian Boarding Schools, to which countless indigenous children were removed from their families and tribes and forced to assimilate into mainstream American culture. Mandatory inclusion of this important United States history in K-12 education would foster better understanding of the history of Native Americans and historical injustices and promote reconciliation.

By advocating for the inclusion of Indian Boarding School Education and Every Child Matters Day (Orange Shirt Day) across all K-12 schools in Washington State, we ensure a more comprehensive understanding of our country's past and wrongdoings. Doing so also ensures accurate representation of Native peoples in U.S. history, bringing forth the unfiltered truth about the atrocities committed at those schools.

Supporting this petition furthers the push towards an education system that grapples with the issues that continue to affect our nation, its injustices, and the effects they have on present-day society. We owe it to all affected by Indian Boarding Schools, Native and non-Native communities, and our children to teach all future generations the full history of our nation, not just the parts that are appealing to include in K-12 curriculums.

They say knowledge is power, but knowledge also brings understanding and compassion. Sign this petition now to help bring the true history of Indian Boarding Schools into our classrooms. Every signature brings us one step closer to a more inclusive and complete education system.

Urban Native Education Alliance Boarding School Resolution