The History of Native Americans in Boarding Schools
Examines the history, operation, and legacy of the federal Indian Boarding School system.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. government implemented policies to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture. Boarding schools were established with the goal of eradicating Native languages and cultures.
Native American children were often forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to boarding schools. The idea was to separate children from their cultural influences to facilitate the assimilation process.
One of the primary goals of boarding schools was to enforce English as the only language spoken. Native languages were actively discouraged, and students faced punishment for using their native languages. The motto "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" encapsulated the assimilationist philosophy of these schools. The strict English-only policies and cultural suppression had a profound impact on Native languages and cultures. Many Native languages faced severe decline, and traditional knowledge was lost as a result of the forced assimilation.
Boarding schools employed various tactics to force assimilation, including hair-cutting ceremonies, which held cultural and spiritual significance for many Native tribes. Other cultural practices targeted included traditional clothing and spiritual ceremonies.
In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the historical injustices associated with Indian boarding schools. Efforts are being made to address this dark chapter in history, including initiatives to support healing, preserve Native languages, and recognize the resilience of Native American communities.