Hidden Truths: The Impact of Native American Boarding School Records

In the quiet corners of the Pacific Alaska Region National Archives in Seattle, Denise Lajimodiere encountered a heartbreaking piece of her family’s history. As she pored over documents detailing her late father Leo’s experience at Chemawa Indian Training School in Salem, Oregon, she stumbled upon letters from the elderly Cree couple who had raised him. Their poignant inquiries about Leo’s well-being and Christmas packages revealed the deep emotional scars left by the era of Native American boarding schools.

Denise’s journey to uncover her family's past is shared by many Native Americans whose ancestors endured these institutions. The scattered and inaccessible records have long posed a significant challenge for those seeking to understand their heritage and the traumatic experiences that shaped their families.

A New Digital Archive Brings Light to Dark Histories

In a groundbreaking effort to address these challenges, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) has launched a comprehensive digital archive. This initiative, which took four years to compile, brings together records from across the country, including documents, photographs, letters, and oral histories that were previously difficult to access.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in NABS’ commitment to truth, healing, and justice,” said Deborah Parker, CEO of NABS and a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. By centralizing these records, the digital archive provides boarding school survivors, their descendants, and researchers with valuable insights into the experiences of those who attended these schools and the enduring impact on Native communities.

Historical Context of Indian Boarding Schools

The history of Indian boarding schools in the United States is a complex and painful chapter marked by systemic efforts to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture. This era, which spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, involved more than 500 federally funded schools that profoundly impacted Indigenous communities across the nation.

The Origins: Civilization Fund Act of 1819

The roots of the Indian boarding school system can be traced back to the Civilization Fund Act of 1819. This legislation provided funding to religious and other organizations to establish schools aimed at “civilizing” Native American children. The underlying assumption was that Indigenous cultures were inferior and that assimilation into Euro-American society was the best way forward for Native Americans. The act laid the groundwork for the creation of institutions that sought to eradicate Indigenous identities and replace them with Western values and lifestyles.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School: A Model for Assimilation

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, founded in 1879 by Brig. Gen. Richard Henry Pratt, became the prototype for future boarding schools. Pratt's infamous motto, “Kill the Indian in him, save the man,” encapsulated the brutal assimilationist ideology behind these institutions. Carlisle employed a military-style regimen, enforcing strict discipline and suppressing Native languages and cultural practices.

At Carlisle and similar institutions, children were given new names, had their hair cut, and were dressed in Western clothing. They were punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions. The curriculum focused on vocational training and menial labor skills, preparing students for low-paying jobs in the mainstream economy, rather than providing them with a comprehensive education.

The Expansion of the System

Following Carlisle's example, many other Indian boarding schools were established across the United States. These schools were often located far from the children’s homes to minimize contact with their families and communities. Government agents frequently used coercive tactics to ensure attendance, including withholding rations and threatening imprisonment for parents who resisted.

Life in the Schools

The daily life of students in Indian boarding schools was harsh and regimented. Overcrowded dormitories, inadequate food, and insufficient healthcare were common. Physical and emotional abuse, including sexual abuse, was rampant. Many children died from disease, malnutrition, and mistreatment. The trauma inflicted by these experiences left deep scars, both for the individuals who endured them and for their communities.

Cultural Suppression and Resistance

The primary goal of Indian boarding schools was cultural eradication. Students were taught to reject their Native identities and adopt Euro-American customs. Traditional spiritual practices were banned, and Christian indoctrination was a central component of the curriculum. Despite the oppressive environment, many students resisted in various ways. Some ran away, while others secretly maintained their languages and cultural practices.

The Long-Term Impact

The legacy of Indian boarding schools has had lasting effects on Native American communities. The disruption of families and communities contributed to a loss of cultural knowledge and practices. The trauma experienced by the children who attended these schools has been passed down through generations, contributing to social and psychological challenges within Native communities.

Recognition and Reconciliation

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the injustices perpetrated by the Indian boarding school system. Efforts to document and acknowledge this dark chapter have included government apologies, investigations, and initiatives to preserve and share the stories of survivors. The launch of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's digital archive is a significant step in this ongoing process of truth and reconciliation.

The digital archive not only preserves the history of these institutions but also provides a platform for healing and justice. By making these records accessible, NABS is helping to ensure that the experiences of those who suffered in the boarding schools are remembered and that their stories contribute to a broader understanding of American history.

Moving Forward

As we continue to uncover and address the legacy of Indian boarding schools, it is crucial to support the efforts of Native communities to reclaim their histories and cultures. The digital archive is an important resource for researchers, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the full scope of this historical era. By acknowledging the past and its impact, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for Indigenous peoples and all communities.

Documentaries

Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools (PBS Utah)

Unseen Tears: The Native American Boarding School Experience in Western New York, 2009 (Films for Action)

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