Indian Boarding Schools

Definition

Indian boarding schools were institutions established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the primary aim of assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture. These schools were often run by Christian missionaries and government agencies, promoting Western education while eradicating Indigenous languages, customs, and identities. The impact of these schools was profound, resulting in significant cultural loss and long-lasting trauma for many Indigenous communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Indian boarding schools emerged in response to U.S. policies aimed at 'civilizing' Native Americans, with many being established under the auspices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
2. Children were often forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to these schools, where they faced strict discipline and harsh conditions.
3. Students were prohibited from speaking their native languages and practicing their traditional customs, resulting in significant cultural dislocation.
4. Many former students reported experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while attending these institutions, contributing to intergenerational trauma within Indigenous families.
5. The legacy of Indian boarding schools continues to affect Indigenous communities today, as they grapple with issues related to identity, cultural loss, and healing from past traumas.

Review Questions

• How did Indian boarding schools aim to assimilate Native American children, and what methods did they use?
  • Indian boarding schools sought to assimilate Native American children by enforcing a strict curriculum that emphasized English language education, Christian values, and Western social norms. The methods used included forbidding students from speaking their native languages, wearing traditional clothing, or practicing their cultural customs. This forced conformity was intended to erase Indigenous identities and integrate these children into Euro-American society.
• Discuss the psychological and cultural impacts that Indian boarding schools had on Indigenous communities.
  • The Indian boarding school system caused profound psychological and cultural impacts on Indigenous communities. Many children experienced trauma from being forcibly separated from their families and subjected to harsh treatment at the schools. The prohibition against their languages and customs led to a significant loss of cultural heritage. This trauma has been passed down through generations, resulting in ongoing issues related to identity, mental health, and community cohesion among Indigenous peoples.
• Evaluate the contemporary responses by Indigenous communities to the legacy of Indian boarding schools and their efforts towards reconciliation.
  • Contemporary responses by Indigenous communities to the legacy of Indian boarding schools include movements for recognition of the harms done and calls for reparations. Many communities are working toward healing through cultural revitalization efforts aimed at reclaiming lost languages and traditions. Furthermore, there is a push for education about the impact of these schools within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Reconciliation efforts also involve addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by these institutions through support services that focus on mental health and community wellness.

Related terms

Assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of another group, often leading to the loss of their original culture.

Cultural Genocide: The deliberate destruction of a group's culture, including language, religion, and customs, often carried out by state or religious institutions.

Missionary Activities: Efforts by religious groups to convert individuals to their faith, often leading to cultural changes and impacts on local traditions.