Explainer:
Native American boarding schools were established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the US government with the goal of assimilating Native American children into mainstream American culture. These schools were often run by religious organizations and aimed to eradicate Native American languages, traditions, and cultural practices. Children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and were often subjected to harsh discipline, physical abuse, and neglect. Many students experienced trauma and cultural disconnection as a result of their time at these schools.
Study guide questions:
- What was the purpose of Native American boarding schools in the US?
- How were Native American children affected by their experiences at boarding schools?
- What role did religious organizations play in the operation of boarding schools?
- How did the US government justify the establishment of boarding schools for Native American children?
- What were some of the long-term impacts of boarding schools on Native American communities?
- How have Native American communities worked to address the trauma and cultural loss caused by boarding schools?
- What are some examples of resistance and resilience shown by Native American students at boarding schools?
- How do boarding schools fit into the larger history of colonization and assimilation of Native American peoples in the US?
- What are some current efforts to acknowledge and address the legacy of boarding schools in the US?
- How can we learn from the history of Native American boarding schools to create more culturally sensitive and inclusive educational systems today?
Loading...