President Joe Biden made a historic apology for the U.S. government’s involvement in running abusive Native American boarding schools for over 150 years. In a heartfelt speech in Arizona, Biden acknowledged the generational trauma faced by the Native American community and formally apologized, calling it a “sin on our soul.”
However, the event was not without controversy as a pro-Palestinian protester interrupted Biden, questioning how he could apologize for one genocide while supporting another in Palestine. Biden responded by acknowledging the ongoing violence and emphasizing the need to stop innocent people from being killed.
The trip marked Biden’s first visit to Indian Country as president and highlighted his efforts to address historical injustices and build a legacy in his final months in office. The event comes amidst a tight race for the upcoming U.S. election, with Arizona being one of the key battleground states.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Biden’s apology signals a step towards reconciliation and recognition of past wrongs, as he seeks to address systemic issues and promote healing within the Native American community.