ME 1s State to Create Truth & Reconciliation Commission about Forced Removal of Native Am. children

[The Straight Story]

Maine First State to Create Truth and Reconciliation Commission about Forced Removal of Native American Children

Maine has become the first state to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to help those affected by the forced relocation of Native American children into white homes during the 20th century.

Between 1958 and 1967, the federally financed Indian Adoption Project caused hundreds of Native American children throughout the U.S. to be taken from their communities and put into white families through adoption or foster care. The rationale then was that by relocating the children, they would live safer and happier lives.

In Maine, the new commission will involve four Wabanaki tribes and the state.

“Its about truth, healing and change,” Martha Proulx, an assistant administrator with the Office of Child and Family Services within Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, told WCSH Portland.

http://www.allgov.com/news/controversies/maine-first-state-to-create-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-about-forced-removal-of-native-american-children-121122?news=846270

[catbyte]

1. It's high time. only 49 states to go. The damage is massive.

[The Straight Story]

2. Funny how things like this slip under the radar in news/education

And if someone does talk about them people say you hate America, etc...

[Warpy]

3. The damage is indeed massive

I've known families that lost their children to this vicious system and children who were damaged by it, thinking they'd been punished by taking them away from their families and putting them with white people who didn't understand a thing about them. It sucked for everybody but the moral theorists who came up with it.

Also, NA ceremonies were illegal until the 60s and they were plagued by missionaries who made sure their own religions didn't get practiced. Everything had to be hidden and many tribes keep it all hidden even today.

I don't know if the damage will ever be repaired.