This legislation establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States, along with necessary advisory committees and subcommittees. Its primary purposes are to formally investigate, document, and report on the histories and systematic long-term effects of Indian Boarding Schools and their associated policies on Native American peoples. The bill also aims to develop Federal recommendations based on the Commission's findings and promote healing for survivors, their descendants, and affected communities.

The Commission, established in the legislative branch, will consist of five members appointed by Congressional leaders, serving a six-year term. It is tasked with a comprehensive interdisciplinary investigation into the social, cultural, economic, emotional, and physical impacts of these policies. This includes reviewing existing research, collaborating with Federal and religious entities, and assessing effects on Native cultures, traditions, and languages.

A key duty involves holding safe, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate public or private meetings to receive testimony, ensuring adequate trauma-informed care services are available for participants. The Commission will also coordinate efforts to locate, identify, and document marked and unmarked burial sites associated with Indian Boarding Schools, sharing this information with lineal descendants and Tribes. It is funded with $90 million from existing appropriations.

The Commission is mandated to make recommendations to Congress, addressing how the Federal Government can acknowledge its role, modify existing statutes and practices, and promote public awareness and education. These recommendations will be included in an initial report due four years after establishment and a final report before the Commission's termination. Both reports will be publicly available and submitted to numerous government officials.

Supporting the Commission are three key bodies: the Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee, the Native American Truth and Healing Advisory Committee, and the Federal and Religious Truth and Healing Advisory Committee. The Survivors Subcommittee, comprising survivors, descendants, and educators, advises on convenings and reports. The Native American Advisory Committee, with Tribal and Native Hawaiian representation, assists with culturally appropriate convenings and documentation. The Federal and Religious Advisory Committee, composed of various Federal agency and religious institution representatives, ensures coordination and timely submission of information.

General provisions clarify that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act applies to cultural items related to Indian Boarding Schools. Federal agencies are permitted to allow reburial of repatriated cultural items on Federal land and may enter into co-stewardship agreements for cemeteries. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that it does not create a private right of action for administrative or judicial relief.