UPDATE: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel just announced a significant criminal investigation into historical abuses at Indigenous boarding schools across the state. This urgent inquiry targets institutions that operated from 1823 to 1983, aiming to “identify, document, investigate and prosecute” potential criminal acts committed within these facilities.
The investigation, launched on December 19, is a response to the long-standing call for accountability regarding the treatment of Native American children. Nessel has urged survivors, witnesses, and anyone with relevant information to step forward and assist in this critical process. “This investigation seeks to bring truth and accountability to a painful chapter in our state’s history,” Nessel stated.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General has already identified eight Indigenous boarding schools that are central to this investigation, the last of which closed in 1983. The AG’s office is actively collecting testimonies, emphasizing the importance of firsthand accounts in shedding light on past injustices.
Individuals wishing to contribute information can contact the Department of Attorney General via email or call 517-897-7391. Tips can be submitted anonymously, allowing those hesitant to come forward the opportunity to share their experiences safely.
Findings from this investigation will culminate in a public report, which aims to honor both the culture and privacy of those involved. This initiative is part of a broader movement to acknowledge and rectify historical grievances against Indigenous communities in Michigan and beyond.
As this investigation unfolds, it highlights a crucial moment in recognizing the impact of these boarding schools on generations of Native American families. The Michigan Attorney General’s office is committed to ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and that justice is pursued.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent story develops. The implications of this inquiry resonate far beyond Michigan, reflecting a national reckoning with the treatment of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
