Letters from an American November 29, 2024
12 snips
Dec 1, 2024 President Biden's recent visit to the Gila River Indian community marks a renewed focus on Native American issues, promising improvements in tribal infrastructure and health. A significant apology for the trauma caused by federal Indian boarding schools reflects the government's effort to address historical injustices. The discussion also delves into the impact of assimilation policies at Fort Marion and the Carlisle Indian School, revealing the harsh realities faced by Indigenous children and the long-lasting effects on their culture.
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Boarding School Initiative
- The Federal Boarding School Initiative aimed to document the history of federal Indian boarding schools.
- This included identifying schools, students, burial sites, and incorporating survivor testimonies.
Carlisle School
- Richard Henry Pratt established the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, aiming to assimilate Native children into American society.
- Pratt's approach involved forced assimilation, including changing names, clothing, and suppressing indigenous culture.
Pratt's Assimilation
- Pratt exploited a treaty loophole to force Native children into boarding schools.
- He aimed to 'kill the Indian and save the man' by suppressing their culture and forcing assimilation.