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)
· 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 The San Antonio
The conclusion of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project has significant implications for San Antonio 's own Indigenous community. As the project's testimonies are preserved in the Library of Congress, local residents can reflect on the city's role in the broader narrative of Native American boarding schools. San Antonio's history is intertwined with that of the state's Native American populations, and the city is home to a diverse community of Indigenous peoples. The stories of survivors like Iona Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic serve as a reminder of the need for continued healing and reconciliation in San Antonio, where local organizations and community groups can build on the momentum of this project to support Native American residents and preserve their histories. By engaging with the testimonies collected by the coalition, San Antonians can deepen their understanding of the city's complex cultural heritage and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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