Key Facts about Native American Boarding Schools to Know for Native American History

Native American boarding schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-American culture, often erasing their languages and traditions. Schools like Carlisle and Haskell played significant roles in shaping Native education, leaving lasting impacts on cultural identities and community resilience.

1. Carlisle Indian Industrial School

   • Established in 1879 in Pennsylvania, it was the first off-reservation boarding school for Native American children.
   • Founded by Captain Richard Henry Pratt, who promoted the motto "Kill the Indian, Save the Man."
   • Focused on vocational training and assimilation into Euro-American culture, often at the expense of Native languages and traditions.
   • Enrolled over 10,000 students from various tribes, significantly impacting their cultural identities.
   • Closed in 1918, but its legacy continues to influence discussions on Native American education.

2. Hampton Institute

   • Founded in 1868 in Virginia, initially aimed at educating formerly enslaved African Americans and later Native Americans.
   • Emphasized industrial education and self-sufficiency, promoting a model of assimilation similar to Carlisle.
   • Notable for its diverse student body, including many Native American leaders who later advocated for Indigenous rights.
   • Served as a model for other boarding schools, influencing educational policies for Native Americans.
   • Closed its Native American program in the 1920s, but its impact on education remains significant.

3. Chemawa Indian School

   • Established in 1880 in Oregon, it is one of the oldest continuously operating Indian boarding schools in the U.S.
   • Focused on vocational training and academic education, with a strong emphasis on assimilation.
   • Enrolled students from various tribes across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
   • Faced criticism for its harsh discipline and suppression of Native cultures and languages.
   • Continues to operate today, serving as a reminder of the boarding school legacy.

4. Haskell Institute (now Haskell Indian Nations University)

   • Founded in 1884 in Kansas, it was originally a boarding school for Native American students.
   • Transitioned to a college in 1993, offering higher education opportunities for Indigenous students.
   • Played a significant role in the education and cultural preservation of Native American communities.
   • Known for its diverse student body and commitment to Indigenous identity and culture.
   • Continues to serve as a vital institution for Native American higher education.

5. Sherman Institute (now Sherman Indian High School)

   • Established in 1900 in California, it was designed to educate Native American children from various tribes.
   • Focused on vocational training and assimilation, similar to other boarding schools of the era.
   • Known for its strict discipline and efforts to suppress Native languages and cultures.
   • Transitioned to a high school in 1971, continuing to serve Native American students today.
   • Its history reflects the broader narrative of Native American education and cultural resilience.

6. Fort Lewis Indian School (now Fort Lewis College)

   • Founded in 1891 in Colorado, it initially served as a military school for Native American students.
   • Transitioned to a college in 1933, becoming a significant institution for higher education for Indigenous students.
   • Emphasized both academic and cultural education, promoting Native American identity.
   • Known for its diverse student body and commitment to Indigenous issues and community engagement.
   • Continues to operate as a public liberal arts college, serving a significant number of Native American students.

7. Chilocco Indian Agricultural School

   • Established in 1884 in Oklahoma, it focused on agricultural education and vocational training for Native American students.
   • Aimed to assimilate students into Euro-American agricultural practices while suppressing Native cultures.
   • Enrolled students from various tribes, providing a unique educational experience.
   • Closed in 1980, but its legacy remains a part of the history of Native American education.
   • The school’s history reflects the complexities of assimilation and cultural preservation.

8. Phoenix Indian School

   • Founded in 1891 in Arizona, it served as a boarding school for Native American children from various tribes.
   • Focused on vocational training and assimilation, often enforcing strict discipline and cultural suppression.
   • Enrolled thousands of students over its operational years, impacting their cultural identities.
   • Closed in 1990, but its legacy continues to influence discussions on Native American education.
   • The site is now a cultural and historical landmark, reflecting the boarding school experience.

9. Flandreau Indian School

   • Established in 1892 in South Dakota, it was one of the first boarding schools for Native American students in the region.
   • Focused on vocational training and assimilation, often at the expense of Native languages and cultures.
   • Enrolled students from various tribes, providing a unique educational experience.
   • Closed in 1970, but its history remains significant in the context of Native American education.
   • The school’s legacy highlights the ongoing struggles for cultural preservation and identity.

10. Santa Fe Indian School

    • Founded in 1890 in New Mexico, it was established to educate Native American children from various tribes.
    • Emphasized both academic and cultural education, promoting Native identity and traditions.
    • Transitioned from a boarding school to a day school model in the 1970s, reflecting changing attitudes towards Native education.
    • Known for its strong arts program and commitment to cultural preservation.
    • Continues to serve Native American students today, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.