In recognition of National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools on September 30, we are discussing the history of American Indian boarding schools and the continued legacy of this part of our history.

Hosts Daniela and Donnie welcome Marcus Monenerkit from the Heard Museum to the podcast to speak about the history of American Indian boarding schools and the Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories exhibit at the Heard Museum. 

Monenerkit shares about what students and families experienced, including a bit of his own family’s experiences and about the American Indian boarding schools now present on Steele Indian School Park in central Phoenix. He speaks to the trauma and challenges students and their families faced and how that continues to affect American Indian individuals and families today.

He also details some of the policy and mindsets that led to the creation of American Indian boarding schools, how they changed over time, and what current-day American Indian boarding schools are like today.

Here are a few resources connected to today’s discussion:

• Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories exhibit at the Heard Museum
• Video about the history of American Indian Boarding Schools from the Heard Museum
• Statement by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act

Learn more about the Arizona K12 Center at azk12.org.