government
As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored
By Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
Key takeaway Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The conclusion of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project has significant implications for the San Antonio area, home to a sizable Native American population. As the collected testimonies are preserved in the Library of Congress, they will serve as a vital resource for local educators, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to understand the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. The project's findings may also inform efforts to support Native American students in San Antonio's schools, many of whom may be descendants of boarding school survivors. Furthermore, the stories shared by survivors like Iona Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic may prompt local conversations about the ongoing impact of forced assimilation policies and the need for culturally sensitive services and programs in Terrell Hills and surrounding communities. By acknowledging and learning from this painful history, San Antonio can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for its Native American residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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