Native American Studies

Writing Assignment 2

How did the experience of attending a boarding school facilitate the development of a broader pan-Indian identity? This question will be examined in this essay through the content of Brenda J. Child’s book, Boarding School Seasons. According to Child’s book, boarding schools became a part of our collective, pan-Indian identity. “They learned bits of each other’s languages, and everyone learned English. Graduates married into other tribes. Summer celebrations on reservations became increasingly intertribal. New political alliances were forged.” Historical data states that the Indian boarding schools that were first created off the reservations were founded by army men. The ideal and format of these schools were structured as to remove the tribal cultures of the students and instill American values, culture, and aspirations. (p.5)

It would be very rare to find Boarding schools that were located close to Indian communities. This assisted in the Pan-Indian Identity because keeping the children away from their families would prevent further learning of tribal traditions and customs. “Assimilationists argued that the task of “civilizing” Indian children would be easier and lapses into tribal ways less likely if students stayed away from their homes and relatives until their education was complete.” (p.13) Many Indian families resisted boarding schools as a source of forced assimilation, however over time many used the schools to their advantage. Some Indians learned the languages of other tribes. This was said to be a Pan-Indian quality that founding assimilationists did not like. Especially since the goal of the schools was to assimilate the Indians fully into American culture and speaking in native languages was forbidden in the schools. Star blanket or star quilts became another way for Indians to keep some of their traditions alive despite the boarding schools attempt to diminish tribal traditions. This tradition found...