The boarding school era refers to a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the U.S. government established off-reservation boarding schools aimed at assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture. These institutions were part of a broader federal policy designed to erase Indigenous identities and languages by removing children from their families and communities, ultimately leading to a significant loss of cultural heritage.
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The boarding school era was heavily influenced by the belief that Native Americans needed to be 'civilized' and integrated into American society, leading to widespread cultural erasure.
Children in these schools were often forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their cultural traditions, resulting in generations that were disconnected from their heritage.
One of the most famous boarding schools was Carlisle Indian Industrial School, founded in Pennsylvania in 1879, which became a model for many other institutions across the country.
The boarding school experience often involved harsh discipline, neglect, and abuse, leaving lasting psychological scars on many students.
Despite the intentions behind these schools, many Native Americans today view the boarding school era as a painful chapter in their history that has had long-lasting impacts on their communities and cultures.
Review Questions
How did the boarding school era reflect the federal government's approach to assimilation during the late 19th century?
The boarding school era epitomized the federal government's aggressive strategy for assimilation, as it aimed to transform Native American children into Euro-American citizens. By establishing these institutions away from their families, the government sought to sever ties with Indigenous cultures and languages. This approach highlighted a broader belief that Native Americans were 'savages' who needed to be civilized, which shaped policies throughout this period.
What were some of the lasting effects of the boarding school era on Native American communities and their identities?
The boarding school era left profound and lasting effects on Native American communities by creating disconnections between generations and severing cultural ties. Many children returned home unable to communicate in their native languages or practice their traditions, which led to a loss of cultural knowledge. This generational trauma has contributed to ongoing challenges within communities regarding identity and cultural revitalization efforts.
Evaluate the implications of the boarding school era on health and social issues faced by Native Americans today.
The implications of the boarding school era resonate deeply in contemporary health and social issues among Native American populations. The trauma experienced by individuals during this time has been linked to higher rates of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and overall poor health outcomes within these communities. Furthermore, the disruption of family structures and cultural practices continues to impact social cohesion and community resilience, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage that are still being addressed today.
Related terms
Assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices and beliefs of another, often leading to the loss of their original cultural identity.
Indian Removal Act: A law enacted in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.
Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, language, and identity, often through policies that forcibly impose different cultural practices.