Boarding school policies

Definition

Boarding school policies refer to the governmental and institutional strategies aimed at assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture through the establishment of boarding schools. These policies were designed to eradicate Indigenous languages, beliefs, and practices, promoting a 'civilizing' agenda that sought to transform Native youth into members of mainstream society, often at the expense of their cultural identity. This forced assimilation significantly disrupted oral traditions, which are central to many Native American cultures and serve as vital means of passing down knowledge, history, and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Boarding schools were primarily established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a broader policy of assimilation directed by the U.S. government.
2. Students were often forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their cultures while at these schools, contributing to the erosion of oral traditions.
3. Many Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend these schools, causing long-lasting trauma and disconnection from their heritage.
4. The impact of boarding school policies can still be seen today, as many Native communities continue to work towards revitalizing their languages and oral traditions that were nearly lost.
5. There has been a growing acknowledgment of the harms caused by these policies, leading to efforts for reparative justice and healing within Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did boarding school policies affect the transmission of oral traditions in Native American cultures?
  • Boarding school policies had a profound impact on the transmission of oral traditions within Native American cultures by actively suppressing Indigenous languages and practices. Children attending these schools were often punished for speaking their native tongues or sharing cultural stories, which are critical components of oral traditions. As a result, many cultural narratives and teachings that were passed down through generations were lost or severely diminished during this period of forced assimilation.
• In what ways did boarding school policies reflect broader societal attitudes towards Native Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Boarding school policies reflected a pervasive belief in the superiority of Euro-American culture and a desire to 'civilize' Native Americans. This viewpoint was rooted in colonial attitudes that devalued Indigenous identities and sought to erase cultural differences. The establishment of these schools was part of a systematic approach to assimilate Native youth, illustrating how societal views justified the marginalization and exploitation of Indigenous peoples during that era.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of boarding school policies on contemporary Native American communities and their cultural practices.
  • The long-term effects of boarding school policies on contemporary Native American communities are significant and multifaceted. Many communities are grappling with intergenerational trauma resulting from forced removal and cultural suppression. Additionally, the loss of language and traditional knowledge has hindered cultural continuity. However, there has been a resurgence in efforts to reclaim languages and revive oral traditions, demonstrating resilience among Native peoples. This dynamic reflects an ongoing struggle for cultural identity amid historical challenges imposed by boarding school experiences.

Related terms

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

Cultural genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture through various means, including forced assimilation and suppression of language and traditions.

Indian Education Act: A U.S. federal law passed in 1972 aimed at improving educational opportunities for Native American students, addressing historical injustices related to boarding school policies.