On October 25, President Joe Biden ventured into Native American land, the Gila Rivaner Indian Community in Arizona, where hundreds of Native people gathered to hear an apology. He formally apologized, on behalf of the U.S. government, for the abuse of generations of children who were separated from their families in an attempt to erase their language, culture, and history.

Between 1819 and 1969, at least 18,000 children were forcibly removed from their families to try and efface their languages, and cultural traditions. They were sent to more than 400 different boarding schools, spread over 37 states or territories. Biden’s apology acknowledged the lasting trauma and impact these boarding schools caused for many. This included the abuse and emotional pain that many children suffered as they were stripped of their identities and forced into American culture.

This apology was the first time a U.S. President has formally recognized this dark chapter in American history. At the event, Biden was joined by Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, the first Native American to hold a Cabinet position. Haaland created the Federal Indian Boarding project three years ago to examine the effects of the schools on Native Americans. Haaland’s own family was affected by these schools. She explained how the boarding schools were more like an institution that centered “trauma and terror” for Indigenous children: where they were often punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions. Haaland has been listening to boarding school survivors’ experiences for over a year as a part of her “Road to Healing” tour. She explained that Biden’s recognition would give people a feeling of justice and start the healing process: by making survivors and their families feel “seen” and recognized.

Although this apology is an important first step, some Native American leaders feel that further action is needed for a meaningful healing process beyond words. Biden acknowledged that “no apology can or will make up for what was lost during the darkness of the federal boarding school policy.” Some leaders want practical steps, like giving Indigenous communities their land back or promoting their native languages and cultural traditions. The apology is a significant recognition by the U.S. government, that has created conversations about what should be done to help Native American communities moving forward.

Native American communities impacted by the government boarding school system are progressing towards peace with President Biden’s apology. Secretary Deb Haaland also joined Biden in highlighting the importance of ongoing support for Indigenous communities. Although the apology is important, Native leaders stress that in order to achieve long-lasting justice and recognition, additional steps will be necessary for genuine reconciliation.