Boarding school era

Definition

The boarding school era refers to a period, primarily from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, when Indigenous children in the United States were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend government-sponsored boarding schools. These institutions aimed to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture, often through harsh methods that suppressed their languages and traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The boarding school era was marked by policies aimed at eradicating Indigenous cultures and languages, often leading to long-term psychological trauma for those who attended these schools.
2. Many boarding schools were run by religious organizations and adopted strict rules, punishing students for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultures.
3. Government officials believed that education in these schools would help 'civilize' Indigenous peoples, reinforcing the idea of cultural superiority over Native American ways of life.
4. The legacy of the boarding school era continues to impact Indigenous communities today, contributing to issues such as loss of language and cultural disconnection.
5. Some students did manage to form friendships and community bonds within these schools, leading to mixed experiences that included both resistance and adaptation.

Review Questions

• How did the policies of the boarding school era reflect broader societal attitudes towards Indigenous peoples in America?
  • The policies during the boarding school era were rooted in a belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and needed to be replaced with Euro-American values. This reflects a larger societal attitude of assimilation that viewed Indigenous peoples as obstacles to progress. By forcibly removing children from their communities and imposing foreign educational practices, these policies aimed to reshape Indigenous identities into something more acceptable to mainstream society.
• Analyze the impact of the boarding school era on Native American identity and community structure.
  • The boarding school era had a profound impact on Native American identity by disrupting family bonds and cultural transmission. Many children returned home unable to speak their native languages or connect with their cultural heritage. This loss contributed to weakened community structures as traditional roles and teachings were diminished. The trauma experienced at these schools also left lasting scars on generations, affecting how communities perceive themselves and interact with mainstream society.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the boarding school era on contemporary Indigenous communities, including social and psychological effects.
  • The long-term consequences of the boarding school era are still evident in contemporary Indigenous communities through ongoing social and psychological challenges. Many individuals grapple with issues such as intergenerational trauma, loss of cultural practices, and mental health problems linked to the harsh experiences in these institutions. Additionally, efforts towards healing and revitalization of Indigenous languages and traditions are ongoing as communities strive to reclaim their identities in a post-boarding school context. This historical trauma continues to influence community dynamics and relationships with governmental institutions.

Related terms

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

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.

Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, language, and identity, often through policies that aim to erase indigenous practices and beliefs.