Truth and Healing for Victims of Indigenous Boarding Schools

September 30th is Indigenous Boarding School Remembrance Day. Why do we need a day of repentance? What can we do? We can wear orange, we can learn, and we can pray. Wisconsin was home to 12 indigenous boarding schools - some on the territory of our synod:

Bad River (Odanah)

Good shepherd Industrial School

Hayward

Holy Family (Bayfield)

Kashena/Menominee

Lac de Flambeau

Menominee

Oneida

St. Joseph’s Industrial School

St. Mary’s Tomah

Winnebago

Wittenberg

In a blog post for the Women of the ELCA, Wanda Frenchman, an indigenous voice and seminarian at PLTS reflects: https://www.womenoftheelca.org/.../wearing-orange-in...

Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy -Native Theologian (Oglala Sioux) adds to the list of ways we can grow as we work toward seeking healing and reconciliation in this Facebook post. In another post, she shares this prayer. Let us pray,

“Creator, We remember the shadows of those who were taken, the stories hidden, the voices quieted. Hold close the ones who never returned and comfort those who still carry the weight. In silence, may healing come to all who suffer and may we walk gently toward truth and reconciliation. Guide us with wisdom to honor what was lost, and to nurture what can be restored. In the quiet of our hearts, we seek healing. Amen.”