government
As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored
By Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
Key takeaway Mad Plume, now 74, said since her interview she’s been more grounded and has been able to let go of some of the haunting memories: a dusty blue Greyhound bus driving her away from her parents’ red pickup truck.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The conclusion of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project has significant implications for the San Antonio area, home to a sizable Native American population. As the collected testimonies are preserved in the Library of Congress, local residents can reflect on the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous communities, including those with ties to Texas. The stories of survivors like Iona Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic serve as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects of forced assimilation policies, which have had a lasting impact on the social and cultural fabric of communities in Bexar County and beyond. As Alamo Heights residents engage with this history, they may consider the ways in which local institutions and organizations can support the ongoing healing and restoration of Native American communities, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex and often painful history that has shaped the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Hundreds of Indigenous people have testified. They’ve sobbed, cursed and laughed in spite of it all. Many told stories about their time in boarding schools that they’ve kept inside for decades, finally able to begin recovering from childhood trauma.An oral history project led by the National Nati...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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