The Historical Exploitation of Native American Children in Education

November 30, 2024 - 01:06

My PhD research explores the exploitation and assimilation Native American children were subjected to in the nineteenth century. During this period, educational institutions became tools for enforcing cultural erasure and control over Indigenous populations. The government and missionaries established boarding schools designed to strip Native American children of their languages, traditions, and identities.

These schools operated under the belief that Native cultures were inferior and needed to be replaced with Euro-American values. Children were often forcibly removed from their families and communities, subjected to harsh discipline, and denied any connection to their heritage. The motto of these institutions was often to "kill the Indian, save the man," reflecting a deep-seated ideology aimed at transforming Indigenous youth into compliant citizens of the dominant culture.

The long-lasting impacts of this assimilationist approach have reverberated through generations, contributing to ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities today. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing the present-day consequences of cultural dislocation and advocating for the rights and identities of Indigenous peoples.