Sept. 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, but for the Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman, who was raised by survivors of a Catholic boarding school, that day of remembrance is every day.

The ELCA is deepening its commitment to truth-telling and healing around the legacy of Indian boarding schools. ELCA Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) Indigenous Ministries helps to equip congregations to observe the National Day of Remembrance. The “Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative” is researching and acknowledging Lutheran and broader Christian involvement in Indian boarding schools and their continuing impact on Native peoples. Ministries around the country are doing community work to restore traditions and relationships.

Read a personal reflection from Frenchman in Living Lutheran and learn more about the work of ELCA MDCC.