FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2023
History Colorado Publicly Releases Federal Indian Boarding School Research Final Report
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – History Colorado has fulfilled its legislative mandate under House Bill 22-1327 by releasing a comprehensive final report that promotes a greater understanding of the impacts of the Boarding School era in Colorado and investigates the lived experiences of students during this period. The report was prepared in consultation with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Fort Lewis College, and other entities. The final report has been made publicly available on the History Colorado website. Tribal members may also access the report through the Tribal Member Experience.
The report sheds light on the egregious history of Federal Indian Boarding Schools across the United States. This era, unfortunately, saw education being used as a tool to eliminate traditional Indigenous language, culture, knowledge, and identity, primarily targeting children for assimilation. “This report is a vital step toward acknowledging and understanding the painful legacy of Federal Indian Boarding Schools”, said Chairman Melvin J. Baker.
The report provides an overview of HB 22-1327, a general history of Federal Indian Boarding Schools across the US, a history of schools in Colorado with an emphasis on the Teller Institute and Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School, and the Ute Experience with the Federal Education System. Out of respect for survivors, oral testimonies were not included as their trauma and emotions are not owed to the State of Colorado. This report does affirm the historical strength, resiliency, and love of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute parents to protect Ute children despite coercion, threats, and pressure from the Federal government.
Additionally, the report addresses the sensitive issue of student deaths and potential burial sites, discussing matters of disease, abuse, and the burial of children. Readers are cautioned that this content may be triggering and emotionally disturbing. Southern Ute Behavioral Health is available to provide support at (970)-563-5700. You may also directly contact Dr. Mary Young at 970-563-2370. For media inquiries, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at (970)-563-2313.
The full report can be found here: https://www.historycolorado.org/federal-indian-boarding-scho…
-Summer Begay, Communication Specialist
