WASHINGTON
A resolution that formally apologizes to American Indians for years of government mistreatment and abuse will be part of an Indian health care bill expected to pass the Senate later this month.
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, who has pushed the measure since 2004, said he hopes the measure “helps heal the wounds that have divided America for too long.”
“For too much of our history, federal-tribal relations have been marked by broken treaties, mistreatment and dishonorable dealings,” said Brownback, a Republican. “We can acknowledge our past failures, express sincere regrets and establish a brighter future for all Americans.”
The resolution says the federal government forced Indians off tribal lands, stole tribal assets and is responsible for “official depredations, ill-conceived policies and the breaking of covenants” with tribes.
The Senate added the resolution as an amendment to the health care bill by voice vote last week.
“It is meaningful because you’ve got to heal the wounds at some point in time to move forward,” said Joe A. Garcia, president of National Congress of American Indians.
