In my opinion, many pictures of Indian boarding school students reveal the intended appearance of conformity to the federal government’s assimilation of the Native American as forced. According to testimony, the uncomfortable and restrictive clothing and cut or pulled back hair were just a few of the rigors that one could expect to endure while attending Chilocco.
Strict attention to appearance was only one front that the staff of Chilocco and the federal government used to attack the very being and core of Native American identity and existence. From demanding work schedules to grueling disciplinary practices, the onslaught of inhumane expectations for children was in fact, a part of daily life.
Although the intent was to take away individuality and cultural identity while instilling an ethic of subservience, I believe that the Native American population has persevered in retaining their passion for culture and life. I believe that we can learn from our past, and use those lessons to make a brighter future in Native American education.
I look forward to becoming an asset to my people by becoming the most effective and nurturing educator that I can for future generations.
**Click on the title of the post to view "An Indian Boarding School Picture Gallery" that is provided for viewing by the University of Illinois and Modern American Poetry-An Online Journal and Multimedia Companion to the "Anthology of Modern American Poetry" (Oxford University Press, 2000), Edited by Cary Nelson
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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This post floors me. It is so well written, and speaks to the true nature of boarding schools. Thank you for writing something so insightful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for following and your kind comment Bobby...:-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You hit all the points in a nutshell. I also believe that we can learn from our past and take those lessons for the future of our education. I also found pride in keeping their "passion for culture and life" even after they were stripped from their identity.
ReplyDeleteBefore working towards my BA in Education, I often wished that our younger generation were able to understand what our elders and ancestors stood and fought for and the beliefs and cultures they worked so hard to maintain, but now that I am a student of education, I look forward to maintaining and integrating culture, life and history into my curriculum. Everytime I think about it, it sends chills which tells me that I am definitely in the right field. ;)
Kara you already are a valuable asset as well as an effective, nurturing future educator! I love reading your blogs, and I am so happy to be a part of this enduring class with our peers and excellent advisor Leah!!! I am still striving to steal Bobby from his vocation. (:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Yvonne.... "Kara you already are a valuable asset as well as an effective, nurturing future educator!" I learn so much from you guys. You better come teach my kids when I have some!! :)...... Wait a sec. that may be in the far far far future.
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