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Native America Calling: Michigan backs away from Indian boarding school report
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Michigan backs away from Boarding Schools report
A 300-page report details the history and ongoing implications of Michigan’s role in the Indian Boarding School era.
It includes dozens of interviews, public records, and a list of recommendations for state officials going forward. It details troubling accounts that have become familiar in the discussion about boarding schools — physical and sexual abuse of Native American students, oppressive methods to enforce assimilation, and limited accountability for anyone involved.
But the Michigan Department of Civil Rights is backing away from the report. After investing almost $1 million, the state is declining to release the final document to the public.
Guests on Native America Calling
April Lindala (Mohawk and Delaware), department head for Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University
Jo Ann Kauffman (Nez Perce), founder of Kauffman and Associates, a Native-woman owned company contracted to study the Indian boarding school era in Michigan
Regina Gasco (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), former chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and boarding school survivor
Wes Nofire (Cherokee), former Oklahoma Native American Liaison, former Cherokee Nation council member, and former professional athlete
Allen Wright (Choctaw), president and founder of the Hustings Group
Ron French, senior writer at Bridge Michigan
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