LANSING — The state of Michigan is giving more details about a report on potential abuses at the state’s Native American boarding schools.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights shelved the report for months after its completion — but the department now says it plans to release a redacted version in the coming days.
In an October meeting, members of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission said they were frustrated with apparent plans to not release the boarding school report or its contents.
“I just want to say I’m very, very disappointed in the turns that have taken with this boarding school study,” said Regina Gasco, a member of the MCRC. “What about all these survivors that came and testified? You know, we talked to these people, and we assured them that now is the time we’re listening.”
The report was commissioned with Kauffman and Associates, a Washington-state consulting firm that primarily works with tribal communities.
But officials at the Department of Civil Rights say that early versions of the report raised concerns about unethically-sourced or ahistorical content.
“We’re all disappointed to some extent,” said Alfredo Hernandez, director of Development, Innovation and Action for the MDCR. “We recognize the initial report made assertions about historical issues without documentary evidence to support such state statements.”
The report has so far cost the state around $1.1 million.
Harold Core, public information officer for the MDCR, says in a statement that KAI’s report didn’t meet the standard the department had expected.
“MDCR is as disappointed with this result as everyone else, but we remain committed to avoiding further harm,” he said. “MDCR is prioritizing the needs of the victims of Michigan Native American boarding schools and is thankful for our ongoing partnerships with Michigan’s tribal nations.”
Core says the department is sticking by its rejection of the initial report and has “already asked the office of the Attorney General to consider avenues to recover taxpayer funds spent on this project.”
Kevin Keefe, CEO of Kauffman and Associates, says in a statement that the company stands by its work and believes it should be seen by the public.
“KAI stands with the tribes of Michigan and with the many survivors and descendants who trusted us with their stories,” he said. “Native voices must be allowed to narrate this history, free from censorship by state agencies, to fully document and acknowledge the harm caused by boarding schools in Michigan. A complete history, not an abbreviated version of it, must be told.”
Despite the controversies surrounding its creation, Core says the department plans to release a redacted version of the report in early February.
The department also submitted an alternative to the report in November last year to satisfy legally-required deadlines.
The study is separate from a criminal investigation being conducted by attorney general Dana Nessel.
Those with information on potential criminal acts at Michigan’s Native American boarding schools can contact the AG’s office online or via phone.