Last week, FCNL hosted a faith leader fly-in in support of the Truth and Healing Commission Bill (HR 7325/S.761). We brought 13 faith leaders (pastors, deacons, a Franciscan sister, and one Friend) to D.C to lobby for the bill, which is an important step in the federal government acknowledging its role in the brutal Indian Boarding School era, which saw Native children facing abuse, malnutrition and even death.
While the movement for federal accountability has grown, the United States government has never fully acknowledged the historical trauma of the Indian boarding school era. Congress must act now and it was an honor to be working with these faith leaders to encourage action. Many of them are in denominations that have a historic connection with Indian boarding schools and work on healing these wounds in ministry as well.
We had 15 scheduled lobby visits (including a member-level visit with Rep. Paul Gosar, AZ-9), plus two successful drop-by visits.
Just as importantly, we had 2 days of community and connection building with our participants, who included two boarding schools survivors. The participants dove right into the topic and became experts in constituent lobbying by the end of our time together.
Below are a few of the participants reflecting on their experience:
Rev. Murray Crookes (United Methodists, a descendant of boarding school survivors): The highlight of my visits was encountering (Hill) staff that are from Alaska who shared our concerns and history. A few of them knew our families. Having this time with FCNL really helped us focus our voice and experience to present a clear message and an ask to support.
Sister Maria Orlandini (Franciscan Sister of Philadelphia, Franciscan Action Network): This was a good experience- I felt prepared and the people I was with were great. I learned once more that I need to take the staffers as they are and not take it personally if they are not interested.
Merwyn DeMello (Franciscan Action Network): My personal highlights of the event were meeting with Rep. Gosar’s office and hearing their worldview. Now we have the possibility of developing a relationship and connections across party-lines. I always learn more from visiting legislators.
Jan Bronson (Quaker from Alaska): It was an honor to be lobbying with the other Alaskans, especially Pearl and Charlie who had survived boarding schools. Another highlight was just being a lobbyist as an ordinary person! As they say, acting in community is the antidote to discouragement. I really felt that this week.
