Summary
Highlights
The Native American boarding school era is presented as a dark chapter in American history, driven by a policy of assimilation. The goal was to strip away Native identity through practices like cutting hair, changing clothing, and forbidding native languages and cultural practices. Dr. Jennifer Nez Denetdale describes it as ethnic cleansing, leading to devastating effects on Native people. Forrest Cuch highlights how it made Native individuals incompetent in both white and their own cultures.
The arrival of European explorers marked a significant shift for indigenous people. The Louisiana Purchase and subsequent Lewis and Clark expedition publicized the West, leading to increased settler encroachment. This westward expansion resulted in violent movements and 'trails of tears' to remove Native people from their homelands, exemplified by the Navajo's forced march to Bosque Redondo where nearly two thousand died.
The 1868 treaty with the Navajo mandated school attendance, building upon earlier missionary efforts. The 1887 Dawes Act further encouraged assimilation. Richard Henry Pratt, superintendent of the Carlisle Indian School, famously advocated to 'Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.' Historical accounts detail severe punishments, including physical abuse, isolation, and emotional trauma. Children ran away, sometimes with tragic consequences like the three brothers who lost their legs to frostbite.
While many experienced trauma, some Native individuals found positive aspects like education and inter-tribal connections. Arlen Polacca recounts making friends from various tribes at Phoenix Indian School. However, the deep emotional scars remained, leading to generations suffering from 'boarding school syndrome' marked by depression and anxiety, as described by Amanda Blackhorse.
The Civil Rights Era brought attention to Native American issues, with figures like Robert Kennedy advocating for day schools to preserve children's spirits. The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act of 1975 granted tribes more control. The Santa Fe Indian School, now run by the nineteen Pueblos, exemplifies this shift towards culturally relevant education, nurturing Native identity rather than assimilating it.
Racism and stereotypes persist, with instances of Native youth experiencing derogatory comments and offensive sports mascots. Dacian Spotted Elk shares his experience of confronting racism and educating others. The history of Code Talkers, who used their 'forbidden' languages to aid in World Wars, highlights Native resilience and patriotism. However, the legacy of boarding schools still contributes to issues like low self-esteem, poverty, and substance abuse in Native communities.
Notable athletes like Jim Thorpe, Louis Tewanima, and Billy Mills emerged from these schools, achieving greatness against adversity. While some apologies for assimilation policies have been issued by figures like President Obama, many Native people seek more recognition and reparation. The documentary concludes by emphasizing the importance of remembering the children who died and suffered in these schools, and the ongoing need to cherish and support future generations.