Synopsis

Native American organizations are asking churches to join in a Truth and Reconciliation process to bring about healing for Native American families that continue to suffer the consequences of the Indigenous boarding schools. With support from Pendle Hill, Friends Historical Library, and the Native American Rights Fund, Paula Palmer researched the role that Friends played in implementing the federal government’s policy of forced assimilation of Native children. In this one-hour slide presentation, Paula interviews Jerilyn DeCoteau, president of the board of directors of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, and shares her research findings along with images of the Quaker schools, teachers, and Native students. She asks, “What does this history and its impact on Native communities mean for Friends today?”

Paula’s ministry, “Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples,” is a program of Friends Peace Teams. She can be contacted at paulaRpalmer@gmail.com.