The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs announced that the Nebraska Capitol will light up in orange in remembrance of the survivors and descendants of the Genoa Indian Industrial School.
Thousands of Native children, including members of the Omaha, Winnebago, and Ponca tribes, were sent to the school from 1884 to 1934.
The capitol will beam orange from the 20th to the 22nd; other buildings, including the Sheldon Art Museum, will glow in orange in solidarity.
In addition, the Sheldon Art Museum will hold an event on Friday honoring the children who never made it home, discussing the impact of the school, and creating a space to reflect.
In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature designated the 20th as the day of remembrance of those impacted by Genoa’s legacy.
The event is open to the public and will run from 5:30 to 7:30pm.