government
As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored
By Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Tomball News
The conclusion of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project has significant implications for the Houston area, home to a sizable Native American population. As the project's testimonies are preserved in the Library of Congress, local communities may reflect on the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and its lasting impact on families and tribes. In Harris County, where Tomball is located, there may be opportunities for local organizations and community groups to engage with the project's findings and support healing initiatives for Native American residents who have been affected by the legacy of boarding schools. The stories of survivors like Iona Mad Plume and Gene Bozicic serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing support and awareness about the historical injustices faced by Native American communities, and the importance of preserving their histories and experiences.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nancy Marie Spears/The Imprint, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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