One woman’s journey uncovers her family’s past, revealing layers of loss, healing, and resilience. Oregon Public Broadcasting is set to screen “Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Pacific University’s Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center in Forest Grove.
This one-hour documentary, part of the “Oregon Experience” series, follows Gabriann “Abby” Hall from the Klamath Tribes. She dives into the painful history of Native American boarding schools, highlighting stories of resistance over the past 150 years.
The project started in 2021 when Abby sought research help from OPB producer Kami Horton about the Klamath children who were sent to such schools. “She was struggling to find information, and that’s where the idea sparked,” Horton recalled, noting that Abby’s personal quest added depth to a complex story.
Forest Grove itself has a significant but painful history linked to these schools. From 1880 to 1885, around 310 Native American children were taken from their homes and placed in the Forest Grove Indian Training School. Once there, they faced cultural erasure—clothes with cultural significance were removed, and they were given Western names while being forbidden to speak their languages.
“They arrived with their cultural identities stripped away,” said Eva Guggemos, an archivist at Pacific University. Unfortunately, conditions were dire; at least 11 students, possibly more, lost their lives, primarily due to tuberculosis. The school eventually moved to Salem, becoming the Chemawa Indian School, the oldest institution of its kind still in operation today.
Before the documentary screening, there will be a resource fair in the Berglund Center lobby at 6 p.m., featuring local organizations like the Friends of Historic Forest Grove and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. This gives attendees a chance to connect with community support networks.
After the film, Horton will host a panel discussion with Guggemos, anthropologist David G. Lewis, and members of the Indigenous Student Alliance. “We want to delve deeper into the film’s themes and discuss future directions,” Horton mentioned.
Horton emphasized that while the screening highlights a troubling past, it also showcases progress. “Generations of Native children were sent away, creating lasting trauma in communities. But there is hope,” she said. “Many are reclaiming their culture and history, showing how resilience can emerge from such hardship.” This event not only reveals hidden histories but also celebrates the strength of those who have overcome them.
Tickets for the event are free, but registration is required. To register, visit here.
