Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) said the United States government has to ask Native peoples for forgiveness over hundreds of years of bad policies.

Brownback introduced a non-binding resolution to apologize to Native people for "official depredations and ill-conceived policies." He said it is past time for the government to admit it was "wrong" to break treaties, force tribes to leave their homelands, send Indian children to boarding school and massacre thousands.

"Apologizing is tough," Brownback told National Public Radio. He said it is necessary to start a reconciliation process.

The Senate included the apology resolution as part of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The House is expected to add it as well.

Get the Story:
Apology to American Indians Moves Forward (National Public Radio 6/13)

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments:
S.1200 | H.R.1328

Apology Resolution:
S.J.Res.4 | H.J.Res.3

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