What does TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

Establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States The Commission has 5 members appointed by various leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives Members must have significant experience in matters relating to Indian Tribes and Native Americans The Commission will hold meetings and convenings to gather information and testimony The Commission has the power to request information and documents from Federal agencies and Tribal organizations The Commission will terminate 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act The Commission has a budget of $90,000,000 to carry out its duties

What does DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the duties of the Commission related to Indian Boarding School Policies. The Commission is tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation of the social, cultural, economic, emotional, and physical effects of these policies on Native American communities, survivors, families, and descendants. The investigation includes reviewing existing research, collaborating with advisory committees and federal agencies, and assessing the impact on Native American students and alumni. The Commission may acquire objects, artifacts, or real property related to the investigation, pending repatriation and consistent with federal law. The Commission must hold safe, trauma-informed meetings and convenings to receive testimony and provide trauma-informed care services. The Commission will make recommendations to Congress regarding acknowledgement of the Federal Government’s role, modification of statutes, public awareness, and the views of religious institutions. The Commission is responsible for coordinating efforts to locate and identify burial sites associated with Indian Boarding Schools. The Commission will submit annual reports to Congress and initial and final reports to various government officials and agencies. The Commission is required to hold events to receive comments on the initial report and ensure public availability of reports.

What does SURVIVORS TRUTH AND HEALING SUBCOMMITTEE. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

Establishes the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee The subcommittee has 15 members, appointed by the Commission Members include representatives from 12 regions and Hawai`i The subcommittee assists the Commission in coordinating public and private convenings The subcommittee provides advice on commemoration and public education relating to Indian Boarding Schools The subcommittee terminates 90 days after the Commission submits its final report

What does NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY COMMITTEE. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee to advise the Commission. The Committee will consist of 19 members, including the Vice Chairperson of the Commission, the Vice Chairperson of the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, and the Secretary of the Interior. Nominations for Committee members are to be submitted by Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Americans, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Native Hawaiian organizations within 90 days of the Act's enactment. At least two members must have experience with healthcare, mental health, or working with survivors of Indian Boarding Schools. The Committee's term is automatically renewable for 2 years and terminates 90 days after the Commission submits its final report. A simple majority of the members constitutes a quorum. The Committee's duties include assisting the Commission in organizing public and private convenings, determining necessary documentation, and producing reports. The Committee is required to meaningfully consult with Native Americans, Indian Tribes, and related organizations.

What does FEDERAL AND RELIGIOUS TRUTH AND HEALING ADVISORY COMMITTEE. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

The Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee is established within the Department of the Interior. The committee has 20 members, including representatives from various federal agencies and religious institutions. The committee's duties include coordinating with federal agencies and religious institutions, assisting the Commission, and ensuring timely submission of materials. The committee must hold an initial business meeting within 30 days of the Commission's initial meeting. A simple majority of members constitutes a quorum for business meetings.

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Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026

Q: What does Preamble of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This bill introduces H.R. 7325, a bill to establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 3, 2026. It was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on Natural Resources.

Q: What does PURPOSES. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States. The Commission will investigate, document, and report on the histories of Indian Boarding Schools and their effects on Native American peoples. The Act seeks to develop recommendations for Federal efforts based on the Commission's findings. A goal of this Act is to promote healing for survivors of Indian Boarding Schools, their descendants, and their communities.

Q: What does DEFINITIONS. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The term 'Commission' refers to the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States established by section 101(a). An 'Indian Boarding School' is defined as an institution meeting specific criteria, including providing housing, offering training, receiving federal support, and operating before 1969, or as identified in the Department of the Interior's report. “Indian Boarding School Policies” encompass federal laws, policies, and practices aimed at assimilating Native Americans, often involving abuse and cultural termination. The definition of 'Native American' includes both 'Indian' and 'Native Hawaiian'. The term 'trauma-informed care' is defined as holistic psychological and health care practices promoting culturally responsive practices and environments of healing.

Q: What does CLARIFICATION. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

This section clarifies the applicability of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The Act applies to cultural items related to Indian Boarding Schools or Indian Boarding School Policies. This application occurs regardless of how a Federal agency interprets the Act's applicability.

Q: What does BURIAL MANAGEMENT. of Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2026 do?

Federal agencies permit reburial of cultural items Items must relate to Indian Boarding School or policies Reburial allowed on Federal land with party agreement Items repatriated under Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Items returned to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations

Last updated: 2/3/2026 · Introduced: 2/3/2026

Author: Tom Cole (R-OK)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and effects of Indian Boarding Schools on Native American communities.
The Commission will conduct a comprehensive investigation, review existing research, and collaborate with advisory committees to assess the social, cultural, economic, emotional, and physical impacts of these policies.
The Commission is tasked with locating and identifying burial sites associated with Indian Boarding Schools and coordinating efforts for repatriation and reburial of related cultural items.
The bill establishes several advisory committees, including a Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee and a Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, to support the Commission’s work.
The bill clarifies that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to cultural items related to Indian Boarding Schools and prohibits the creation of a private right of action related to the Act.

119th Congressin committeeS. 761(In Committee)Official page

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TITLE I

-COMMISSION AND SUBCOMMITTEE

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TITLE II

-ADVISORY COMMITTEES

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TITLE III

-GENERAL PROVISIONS

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