An Indian boarding school refers to a type of educational institution that emerged in the United States during the late 19th century to early 20th century. These schools were established by the U.S. government with the aim of assimilating Native American children into mainstream American society.
Indian boarding schools were boarding facilities where Native American children were forcibly separated from their families and tribes and placed under the care of Euro-American administrators and educators. The primary objective of these schools was to eradicate Native American cultural and traditional practices and replace them with Western values and norms.
The rigid curriculum of these schools focused on teaching English language skills, Christianity, vocational skills, and domestic work to shape Native American children into civilized and economically productive members of society. Indigenous languages and cultural practices were actively discouraged and even punished in order to suppress Native American identity.
The experience at Indian boarding schools was often harsh and traumatic, as children were subjected to strict discipline, forced labor, and physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse. Many students were prohibited from speaking their native language and practicing their cultural customs, leading to the loss of traditional knowledge and a weakening of their cultural heritage.
While Indian boarding schools were established with the intention of assimilation, they have been widely criticized for their detrimental effects on Native American communities, contributing to the erosion of tribal identities, intergenerational trauma, and a loss of indigenous languages and cultural practices. Recognition of this dark period has led to efforts towards healing and cultural revitalization among Native American communities.
