Michigan AG Launches Urgent Investigation into Boarding School Abuses

UPDATE: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has just announced a sweeping criminal investigation into the historical abuses suffered by Native American individuals at boarding schools across the state. This urgent probe, launched on December 19, 2023, targets institutions that operated from 1823 to 1983, aiming to uncover and prosecute any criminal acts that may have occurred.

The Attorney General’s office is actively seeking information from survivors, witnesses, and anyone with firsthand knowledge of these traumatic events. “This investigation seeks to bring truth and accountability to a painful chapter in our state’s history,” Nessel stated, emphasizing the critical need for justice.

Michigan has identified eight Indigenous boarding schools, with the last institution closing its doors in 1983. This investigation comes on the heels of a recent federal inquiry that confirmed what many Michigan tribes had long suspected: systemic abuse and neglect at these facilities.

Individuals who can contribute to the investigation are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Attorney General via email or call 517-897-7391. Anonymity is assured for those who wish to share sensitive information. The findings of this investigation will be publicly released, ensuring that the voices of the affected are honored while maintaining cultural privacy.

As this story develops, it highlights the urgent need for accountability and healing within Indigenous communities. The investigation not only addresses past injustices but also seeks to pave the way for a more just future.

Stay tuned for more updates as this significant investigation unfolds. Share this news to raise awareness about this crucial issue and support the pursuit of truth and justice for Indigenous peoples in Michigan.