ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: ED DP 10-0-0-0

HCM2003: Indian boarding schools; urging investigation.

Sponsor: Representative Jermaine, LD 18

Caucus & COW

Overview

States that the Legislature prays that the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) investigate all 51 former and current Indian boarding schools in Arizona.

History

On June 22, 2021, DOI Secretary Haaland issued a memorandum stating that the DOI will undertake an investigation of the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of residential Indian boarding schools. Specifically, the primary goal of this investigation is to identify boarding school facilities and sites, the location of known and possible student burial sites located at or near school facilities and the identities and tribal affiliations of children interred at such locations. Additionally, the investigation will proceed in two distinct phases: 1) collection of relevant information (such as records related to DOI's oversight and implementation of the Indian boarding school program from 1819 to 1969); 2) and formal consultations with tribal nations, Alaska native corporations and native Hawaiian organizations. DOI will issue a final report on this investigation by April 1, 2022 (DOI Memorandum).

Provisions

1. Declares that the Legislature prays that the DOI:

a) Investigate all 51 of the former and current Indian boarding schools in Arizona; and

b) Use ground penetrating radar to look for unmarked graves and return any discovered remains to their families or tribes, as requested, for appropriate repatriation and burial. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of this memorial to the DOI Secretary (Sec. 1)

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6. HCM 2003

7. Initials CH/MR Page 0 Caucus & COW

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