'I thought my name was my number': Survivors recount Alaska boarding school experience

The recent discovery of the remains of hundreds of Indigenous children at a residential school in Canada has prompted discussion, grief and memories of past trauma in Alaska.

Thousands of Alaska Native children were sent to boarding schools in and outside the state. The effects of forced assimilation continue to impact the lives of Native people.

Two boarding school survivors, Jim Aqpayuk LaBelle and Fred John Jr., as well as cultural expert Paul Ongtooguk, shared their perspectives on Talk of Alaska with Lori Townsend this week.

Listen to their conversation: