Boarding school system

Definition

The boarding school system refers to the educational framework established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specifically aimed at Native American children, with the intention of assimilating them into Euro-American culture. This system sought to erase Indigenous languages, traditions, and identities by placing Native American children in boarding schools where they were separated from their families and communities, often facing harsh discipline and cultural suppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The boarding school system was often justified by a belief in the superiority of Euro-American culture and a desire to 'civilize' Indigenous peoples.
2. Many Native American children experienced trauma due to forced separation from their families, leading to long-lasting impacts on their mental health and cultural connections.
3. Schools often prohibited Native American languages and customs, enforcing strict adherence to English language and Christian religious practices.
4. The legacy of the boarding school system has led to ongoing efforts for reconciliation and healing within Indigenous communities, as many survivors share their stories of abuse and resilience.
5. Government policies in the U.S. and Canada have since acknowledged the harmful impacts of these schools, prompting initiatives aimed at preserving Indigenous cultures and languages.

Review Questions

• How did the boarding school system aim to impact Native American children's identities?
  • The boarding school system aimed to erase Native American identities by forcing children to abandon their languages, cultures, and familial ties. The goal was to assimilate these children into Euro-American society, which was perceived as superior. As a result, many children were stripped of their cultural heritage, leading to a disconnection from their communities and a loss of personal identity that affected generations.
• Discuss the consequences of the boarding school system on Native American communities today.
  • The consequences of the boarding school system are still felt in Native American communities today. Many survivors carry deep emotional scars from their experiences, contributing to issues like intergenerational trauma. The disconnection from cultural practices has led to efforts focused on revitalizing Indigenous languages and traditions, as communities strive for healing and reclamation of their identities. This legacy has also fueled movements advocating for policy changes that recognize and address historical injustices.
• Evaluate the role of government policies in shaping the boarding school system and its legacy on Native American populations.
  • Government policies played a crucial role in both establishing and perpetuating the boarding school system. These policies were rooted in a belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and needed to be suppressed. This systemic approach not only facilitated cultural genocide but also created an environment where abuse was rampant. As awareness of these injustices has grown, there has been a shift toward acknowledging these historical wrongs, leading to initiatives focused on reconciliation, cultural preservation, and greater autonomy for Native American communities.

Related terms

cultural assimilation:

The process by which individuals or groups of different ethnic backgrounds are absorbed into the dominant culture, often resulting in the loss of original cultural identities.

Indian Residential Schools: Institutions established in Canada and the United States that aimed to educate Native American children while enforcing cultural assimilation, often resulting in severe emotional and physical trauma.

Native American identity: The complex set of cultural, spiritual, and social elements that define the diverse experiences and heritage of Indigenous peoples in North America.