Where is the USA Apology to the First Nations? ??

This is the Document of USA Apology offered to the Peoples of the First Nations. Even though it is offered strictly through an agency rather than on behalf of the USA, it is a beginning, it shows that there are human beings IN GOVERNMENT that actually recognize the horrendous treatment of the original inhabitants of this great land.

This is the Document of USA Apology offered to the Peoples of the First Nations. It was initially displayed on the official US government website for all to see. The Administration following that of President Clinton saw to it that it be removed. Where is it now?????????????

It is preserved on this site for the historical record; a United States action of great nobleness, honesty and courage.

I do not speak today for the United States. This is the province of the nation’s elected leaders, and I would not presume to speak on their behalf. I am empowered, however, to speak on behalf of this agency, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and I am quite certain that the words that follow reflect the hearts of its 10,000 employees.

Let us begin by expressing our profound sorrow for what this agency has done in the past. Just like you, when we think of these misdeeds and their tragic consequences, our hearts break and our grief is a pure and complete as yours. We desperately wish that we could change this history, but of course we cannot. On behalf of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, I extend this formal apology to Indian people for the historical conduct of this agency.

And while the BIA employees of today did not commit these wrongs, we acknowledge that the institution we serve did. We accept this inheritance, this legacy of racism and inhumanity. And by accepting this legacy, we accept also the moral responsibility of putting things right.

We therefore begin this important work anew, and make a new commitment to the people and communities that we serve, a commitment born of the dedication we share with you to the cause of renewed hope and prosperity for Indian country. Never again will this agency stand silent when hate and violence are committed against Indians. Never again will we allow policy to proceed from the assumption that Indians possess less human genius than the other races. Never again will we be complicit in the theft of Indian property. Never again will we appoint false leaders who serve purposes other than those of the tribes. Never again will we allow unflattering stereotypical images of Indian people to deface the halls of government or lead the American people to shallow and ignorant beliefs about Indians. Never again will we attack you’re your religions, your languages, your rituals, or any of your tribal ways. Never again will we seize your children, nor teach them to be ashamed of who they are. Never again.

We cannot yet ask your forgiveness, not while the burdens of this agency’s history weigh so heavily on tribal communities. What we do ask is that, together, we allow the healing to begin: As you return to your homes, and as you talk with your people, please tell them that the time of dying is at its end. Tell your children that the time of shame and fear is over. Tell your young men and woman to replace their anger with hope and love for their people. Together we must wipe the tears of seven generations. Together, we must allow our broken hearts to mend. Together we will face a challenging world with confidence and trust. Together, let us resolve that when our future leaders gather to discuss the history of this institution, it will be a time to celebrate the rebirth of joy, freedom and progress for the Indian Nations. The Bureau of Indian Affairs was born in 1824 in a time of war on Indian people. May it live in the year 2000 and beyond as an instrument of their prosperity.”

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What happened to this document? Why did BUSH remove it? Why hasn't the USA officially apologized as Canada did. Of course it cannot bring back their old life, customs, dead family members, or happiness, but it is a STEP in the right direction. And should we not be broken-hearted for what has happened to them, to their families, their children, their buffalo, their very existence? Are we really such cold blooded selfish ruthless killers, in our hearts? If not, then let's do the right thing, lets officially apologize and make amends as is NOW possible. Saying sorry is only the first step, but it is a step. We can make it to the moon! Do you think we can make this happen?