HCM 2003
Initials CH/MR Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-fifth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: ED DP 10-0-0-0
HCM2003: Indian boarding schools; urging investigation.
Sponsor: Representative Jermaine, LD 18
Caucus & COW
Overview
States that the Legislature prays that the United States Department of the Interior (DOI)
investigate all 51 former and current Indian boarding schools in Arizona.
History
On June 22, 2021, DOI Secretary Haaland issued a memorandum stating that the DOI will
undertake an investigation of the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of residential
Indian boarding schools. Specifically, the primary goal of this investigation is to identify boarding
school facilities and sites, the location of known and possible student burial sites located at or
near school facilities and the identities and tribal affiliations of children interred at such locations.
Additionally, the investigation will proceed in two distinct phases: 1) collection of relevant
information (such as records related to DOI's oversight and implementation of the Indian boarding
school program from 1819 to 1969); 2) and formal consultations with tribal nations, Alaska native
corporations and native Hawaiian organizations. DOI will issue a final report on this investigation
by April 1, 2022 (DOI Memorandum).
Provisions
1. Declares that the Legislature prays that the DOI:
a) Investigate all 51 of the former and current Indian boarding schools in Arizona; and
b) Use ground penetrating radar to look for unmarked graves and return any discovered
remains to their families or tribes, as requested, for appropriate repatriation and burial.
(Sec. 1)
2. Directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of this memorial to the DOI Secretary (Sec.
1)
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