Trauma and solidarity: walking together toward justice and healing

Next date: Monday, September 14, 2026 | 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM

In the United States, generations of Native American children were forcibly taken from their families and sent to boarding schools administered by Christian missionaries. These schools were established as part of a federal policy to assimilate Indigenous children into white society by erasing their cultures and languages.

This presentation provides an introductory overview of the US Indian Boarding School Policy, its profound and ongoing intergenerational trauma to Native American families and communities, and meaningful ways we can support truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation.

Minnesota was home to at least 21 Native American boarding schools and is home today to 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Samuel Torres

Dr. Torres holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University. He is a researcher, writer, and educator whose work examines the lasting impacts of colonization and the legacy of Native American boarding schools. His research explores the cultural genocide experienced by Indigenous peoples while also highlighting pathways toward truth, justice, and healing. 

Dr. Torres currently serves as the deputy chief executive officer for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS).

 

Refreshments will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. You can register using this online form.

This event is hosted by the Shoreview Human Rights Commission, the social justice ministries from St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church Community, Interfaith Antiracism Ministry of Minnesota, White Bear Lake Rotary Club, Many Faces, and others.

When

Location

Event will be located in Activity Rooms 1 & 2.

Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria Street N, Shoreview, MN, 55126, View Map