09/30/2026
Today, on the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, we honor and remember the children who were taken from their families and communities, those who returned home, those who never returned, and the families and generations who continue to carry their stories.
The AIPHRC is honored to share the story of an orange floral Jingle Dress and beadwork created by White Earth Tribal Elder Sandra Berlin (Star Woman), currently on display at the White Earth Nation Headquarters.
**An excerpt from Sandra’s reflection:**
“This dress was created to Honor, and to Never Forget the Children and their Families that endured the pain and suffering alone.
I am the Daughter of parents (and aunties and uncles) that were forcefully taken from their homes, brought to boarding schools, destinations unknown, far away from anything familiar or loving.
I can only imagine what my dear Grandmother Isabelle went through, as she had all but two of her 15+ children removed from her home. Not knowing where her children were, what they were doing and when they might be reunited.
The trauma experienced from Boarding School, is still being felt today. Many lack a positive self-identity, connection to community, culture, and access to trauma informed resources.
From my experience, in working from within the Indigenous community and larger community, to address these needs, and begin to make changes, community members and public services need to be educated and become aware of the trauma that has been experienced, acknowledging the truth about this deep dark stain in our history.
Community leaders need to work together to learn from, and empower Indigenous leadership, to offer trauma informed, supportive services to advocate for healing and wellbeing in Indigenous communities.”
**About the artist**
Sandra Berlin (Star Woman) is a White Earth Tribal Elder and 35+ year Fargo resident. She currently serves as a Harm Reduction Advocate for the City of Fargo and has more than 30 years of experience as an Indigenous community advocate and organizer. She is a Talking Circle leader and founder of *Sweet Medicine: An Indigenous Healing Journey*. Sandra is the mother of four, grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of five.
📷 Women’s Orange Floral Jingle Dress and beadwork, created by Sandra Berlin (Star Woman) and on display at the White Earth Nation Headquarters, August 2026.
