Indian Boarding School Era

Definition

The Indian Boarding School Era refers to the period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century when Native American children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend government-sponsored boarding schools. These institutions aimed to assimilate Indigenous youth into Euro-American culture, often through harsh discipline and the suppression of their native languages and traditions, resulting in profound impacts on daily life and experiences of the students involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian Boarding School Era began with the establishment of Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1879, which served as a model for similar institutions across the United States.
2. Students were often punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions, resulting in a loss of cultural identity for many individuals.
3. Many boarding schools were located far from students' home communities, creating a sense of isolation and disconnection from their families and cultures.
4. The curriculum in these schools emphasized vocational training and Christian education, aimed at preparing students for a life in white society rather than valuing their own cultural backgrounds.
5. The legacy of the Indian Boarding School Era continues to affect Native American communities today, contributing to ongoing issues such as intergenerational trauma and cultural disconnection.

Review Questions

• How did the policies implemented during the Indian Boarding School Era impact the cultural identities of Native American students?
  • The policies during the Indian Boarding School Era aimed to eradicate Native American cultural identities by enforcing strict rules against speaking native languages and practicing traditional customs. This forced assimilation led many students to internalize negative views about their heritage, often resulting in a profound disconnect from their cultural roots. The legacy of these policies continues to influence Native communities today, as many struggle with issues of cultural identity and loss.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the educational methods used in Indian boarding schools compared to traditional Indigenous education.
  • The educational methods used in Indian boarding schools were largely ineffective for fostering meaningful learning because they prioritized assimilation over genuine understanding. Traditional Indigenous education was often holistic, incorporating community values, storytelling, and practical skills passed down through generations. In contrast, boarding schools focused on Euro-American values and vocational training that disregarded Indigenous knowledge systems. This not only failed to benefit students academically but also contributed to significant cultural loss.
• Assess the long-term consequences of the Indian Boarding School Era on contemporary Native American communities and identities.
  • The long-term consequences of the Indian Boarding School Era are profound and multi-faceted. Many Native American communities face ongoing challenges related to cultural disconnection, identity crises, and intergenerational trauma stemming from forced assimilation experiences. These issues manifest in various ways, including lower educational attainment, mental health struggles, and difficulties in reclaiming lost cultural practices. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing current disparities and fostering healing within Native communities.

Related terms

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which a minority group adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture, often leading to the loss of original cultural identity.

Boarding School Experience: Refers to the day-to-day life of students in boarding schools, including education, discipline, and the challenges faced in adapting to a foreign environment.

Forced Removal: The practice of taking Indigenous children away from their families, often by government mandate, to attend boarding schools.