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Reconciliation of FLC’s history
Dear FLC community,
Fort Lewis College’s genesis as a military fort and an Indian boarding school is a chapter of our history characterized by forced assimilation and genocide of Indigenous Peoples. Yet, this history is inconsistent with our current work to acknowledge the unique strengths and capacities that all members of our community bring to FLC. Today, a central part of our mission is our distinct commitment to provide educational opportunities and pathways for Native American students, and to support each student’s determination and the choices they want to make for their education and career.
We act on this mission by focusing on increasing equity and inclusivity for students and asking important questions. How does our current mission fit with our past? And, how do we best acknowledge our ties to the boarding school system in a way that is accurate and helps us meet our current goals and values? The answer to these and related questions are central to the process of reconciliation that needs to happen on our campus.
An immediate item for action that came up in my many conversations with the campus community is the history panel display on the Dale Rea Memorial Clocktower. Many in our community, including me, do not feel the panels accurately capture the history of the boarding school experience as it relates to Indigenous Peoples in our region. In addition, these panels have an on-going damaging effect on many members of the FLC community and, as they currently stand, undermine our fulfillment of our institution’s mission.
This is one of many opportunities for us to tell our history better.
To that end, I have asked Dean Jesse Peters to form and chair a committee of students, faculty, and staff, who will engage with a core advisory group of Tribal advisors, alumni, and community stakeholders, to research and collaborate on next steps for the panels. They are charged with exploring all possibilities including removal or modification. By the end of the academic year, the committee will make a recommendation of action to me. I’ve also asked Dean Peters to consider other visible symbols or representations of our complex history that may need examination.
Soon Dean Peters will be putting word out to campus on how you can engage with the committee and contribute your feedback to this process. I am available to discuss any concerns or questions as well.
Reconciliation is a difficult process. However, it is a profound teachable moment for FLC to embrace across disciplines. Our strength as a community and our commitment to the future will create a backdrop for meaningful conversation that leads to principled action. While I am uncertain of the exact outcome, I am optimistic that we are ready to take on this process together for the betterment of our community.
Best,
Tom