October 23, 2025

Albuquerque Oral History Project Collects Boarding School Testimonies

Albuquerque, October 23, 2025

The National American Indian Boarding School Healing Coalition held its Oral History Project session in Albuquerque, attracting over 50 survivors who shared personal accounts of resilience and loss from historic boarding schools. The event aimed to document the long-term effects of forced assimilation policies on Native American communities and included discussions, art therapy, and resources for trauma support. Albuquerque’s participation highlights the ongoing need for truth-telling and community healing, emphasizing the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.

Albuquerque NABS Oral History Project Gathers Boarding School Survivor Testimonies

Albuquerque, NM – October 23, 2025 – The National American Indian Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) conducted its Oral History Project session in Albuquerque, marking the 16th statewide stop aimed at collecting survivor stories from historic boarding schools in New Mexico. Held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the event attracted over 50 participants, including elders who shared personal accounts of resilience and loss tied to forced assimilation policies.

The session focused on documenting the long-term effects of these policies on Native American communities. Participants contributed narratives that highlighted both individual and collective experiences, emphasizing the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. The event served as a platform for truth-telling and community healing, drawing members from Albuquerque’s diverse Native population, including Pueblo and Navajo individuals.

Event Structure and Activities

The gathering included moderated discussions where survivors recounted their experiences. These sessions were complemented by art therapy activities designed to provide emotional support and creative outlets for processing trauma. Resources for ongoing trauma support were also made available, ensuring participants had access to practical assistance. The structure allowed for intergenerational participation, helping to connect younger attendees with the elders’ histories.

Organizers noted that the event fostered a sense of catharsis among attendees, strengthening bonds within the community. By creating a safe space for sharing, the project not only recorded testimonies but also built connections that extend beyond the single-day event.

Project Background and Goals

Launched to address the impacts of boarding schools that separated Native children from their families and cultures, the Oral History Project has gathered narratives from hundreds of survivors across New Mexico. These institutions, part of broader forced assimilation efforts, operated for decades and left lasting scars on Indigenous populations. The initiative, funded through federal grants, seeks to compile a comprehensive archive that can inform education and influence policy advocacy.

Albuquerque’s selection as a host site underscores the city’s role as a hub for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. The local Native community, with its rich diversity, played an active part in the event, amplifying voices that have often gone unheard in mainstream historical accounts. This stop in the project highlights the ongoing need to honor survivors and educate the wider public about this challenging period in American history.

Future Plans and Community Impact

Following the Albuquerque session, NABS plans to continue its statewide efforts, with additional stops scheduled in the coming months. A public report summarizing the collected stories is slated for release in 2026, providing a detailed overview of the findings and recommendations for further action. This report will serve as a key resource for educators, policymakers, and community leaders working to address the legacies of boarding schools.

The project’s emphasis on healing extends to its broader mission of supporting Native American communities in New Mexico. By documenting these stories, NABS aims to contribute to a national dialogue on reconciliation and justice. The Albuquerque event, like others before it, demonstrates the power of collective memory in fostering resilience and promoting awareness.

In total, the Oral History Project represents a vital effort to preserve history while aiding in the recovery process for those affected. With over 50 participants engaging in meaningful exchanges, the session reinforced the importance of such initiatives in maintaining cultural continuity and addressing historical injustices.

This event builds on previous gatherings, each adding to the growing archive of survivor testimonies. As the project progresses toward its 2026 report, it continues to highlight the enduring strength of New Mexico’s Native communities in the face of past traumas.

FAQ

What is the NABS Oral History Project?

The National American Indian Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) Oral History Project is an initiative to document survivor stories from historic boarding schools in New Mexico, launched to address the impacts of forced assimilation policies.

Where and when did the latest session occur?

The latest session occurred in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on October 23, 2025, marking the 16th statewide stop.

How many participants attended the Albuquerque event?

Over 50 participants, including elders, attended the event and shared testimonies of resilience and loss.

What activities were included in the session?

The session featured moderated discussions, art therapy, and resources for trauma support, fostering intergenerational connections.

What is the funding source for the project?

The project is funded by federal grants and aims to compile an archive for education and policy advocacy.

What are the future plans for the project?

Organizers plan to release a public report in 2026 summarizing the collected narratives from across New Mexico.

Key Features of the NABS Oral History Project

Feature	Description
Purpose	Document survivor stories from historic boarding schools to address impacts of forced assimilation policies
Scope	Statewide in New Mexico, with the Albuquerque session as the 16th stop
Attendance	Over 50 participants, including elders from Pueblo and Navajo communities
Activities	Moderated discussions, art therapy, and trauma support resources
Funding	Federal grants supporting archive compilation for education and policy
Future Output	Public report in 2026 summarizing collected narratives