government
As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored
By Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
Key takeaway Mad Plume, now 74, said since her interview she’s been more grounded and has been able to let go of some of the haunting memories: a dusty blue Greyhound bus driving her away from her parents’ red pickup truck.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The conclusion of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project has significant implications for the Indigenous communities in the Houston area, including Piney Point Village . As the stories of survivors like Iona Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic are preserved in the Library of Congress, they will serve as a testament to the traumatic experiences of Native American children who were forcibly assimilated into European-American culture. The project's findings may also inform local efforts to support the healing and reconciliation of Indigenous families in Harris County, where many Native American communities reside. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of the Interior's involvement in the project underscores the federal government's growing recognition of its historical role in perpetuating systemic abuse against Native American communities, and may lead to increased support for local initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing impacts of these policies.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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