key term - Outing system

Definition

The outing system was a practice used primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where Native American children from boarding schools were placed in the homes of non-Native families for labor and education. This system aimed to further assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-American culture while separating them from their families and communities. The outings were seen as a way to expose these children to white society, often undermining their cultural identity and traditional values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The outing system was part of a broader strategy of assimilation that sought to remove Indigenous children from their families to indoctrinate them into Euro-American culture.
2. Children placed in the outing system were often expected to perform domestic or agricultural labor, reinforcing economic exploitation under the guise of education.
3. Many children experienced isolation and trauma as they were separated from their communities and subjected to environments that were often hostile to their cultural identities.
4. The outing system led to numerous instances of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, highlighting the negative consequences of forced assimilation policies.
5. Though intended to promote assimilation, the outing system ultimately contributed to resistance among Indigenous communities, leading to a reassertion of cultural identity and heritage.

Review Questions

• How did the outing system function within the broader context of boarding schools and forced assimilation policies?
  • The outing system functioned as an extension of the goals of boarding schools, which were established to educate Native American children while stripping them of their cultural identities. By placing these children in non-Native homes, the outing system aimed to further immerse them in Euro-American culture. This practice directly connected to forced assimilation policies, as it sought to eradicate Indigenous languages and traditions, leaving lasting impacts on both the individual children and their communities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the outing system on Native American communities and their cultural identities.
  • The long-term impacts of the outing system on Native American communities were profound, resulting in generational trauma and a disconnection from cultural practices. Many families faced challenges in maintaining their languages and traditions as children returned home with altered identities after experiencing life in predominantly white households. This disruption contributed to ongoing struggles within Native communities regarding cultural preservation and identity reclamation, emphasizing the lasting effects of assimilationist policies.
• Analyze how the outing system reflects the attitudes towards Native Americans during its implementation and its implications for contemporary discussions on Indigenous rights.
  • The outing system reflects a colonial attitude that viewed Native Americans as 'savages' who needed to be 'civilized' through exposure to white society. This mindset justified the separation of Indigenous children from their families under the guise of education. Today, contemporary discussions on Indigenous rights include critiques of such historical practices, emphasizing the need for recognition, reparations, and respect for tribal sovereignty. Understanding the implications of the outing system helps inform current efforts toward healing and reconciliation within Native communities.

Related terms

boarding schools:

Institutions established to educate Native American children with the intent of erasing Indigenous cultures and languages, promoting forced assimilation into white American society.

forced assimilation:

The process by which Indigenous peoples were compelled to abandon their cultural practices and beliefs in favor of adopting the dominant European-American culture.

Indian reform movement: A late 19th-century initiative aimed at improving the conditions of Native Americans, which often included policies of education and assimilation that disregarded Indigenous cultures.