LANSING (MI)
MLive [Walker MI]
December 20, 2025
By Audrey Whitaker
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched a criminal investigation into Native American people experienced boarding schools that operated across the state between 1823 and 1983 on Friday, Dec. 19.
Her department wants to “identify, document, investigate and prosecute” criminal acts that may have occurred at these shuttered institutions, per a press release.
Nessel is asking survivors, witnesses and others with firsthand knowledge to share information that may assist in the investigation.
“This investigation seeks to bring truth and accountability to a painful chapter in our state’s history,” Nessel said.
The state has identified eight Indigenous boarding schools and institutions, the last of which closed in 1983:
- Baraga Chippewa Boarding & Day School, Baraga
- Catholic Otchippewa Boarding School, Schoolcraft County
- Holy Childhood, Harbor Springs
- Holy Family Orphanage, Marquette
- Mackinac Mission School, Mackinac Island
- MI Indian Industrial Boarding School, Mt. Pleasant
- New Mission House, Omena
- St. Joseph Orphanage, Assinins
Individuals with information that may assist the Native Boarding Schools investigation can contact the Department of Attorney General via email or by phone at 517-897-7391.
Tips can be left anonymously, per the release.
Findings will be released in a public report, per the Native Boarding School Investigation webpage, while honoring culture and privacy.