Topeka ? A resolution was filed Monday that offers a formal apology to American Indians for centuries of mistreatment by the state of Kansas.

“It’s something that is years overdue,” said state Sen. Julia Lynn, R-Olathe, who is sponsoring SCR 1617.

Lynn said the state needs to acknowledge its offenses against native peoples and ask for forgiveness.

The resolution urges Congress to adopt a United States apology, which has been introduced by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

And the resolution offers an apology on behalf of the state “for all action which brought death, harm, humiliation and suffering to the native peoples.”

The measure will be considered by the state Senate Elections and Local Government Committee.

The resolution says Kansas broke treaties with tribes, forced American Indians from their homelands and removed Indian children from their families in an effort to assimilate them.

Lynn said she hoped the resolution would help strengthen relationships among all Kansans. The measure also has a disclaimer, saying it can’t be used to authorize any claim against the United States or Kansas.