- "...a welcome escape from desperate economic and social conditions..."
- "...learning the ways of the white man would enhance..opportunity to make a living wage."
- "...it offered an oportunity for gaining firsthand knowledge about the world beyond the reservation."
- extra curricular programs
- "...day to day humorous moments..."
- "...the capacity of students to create a social world of their own making."
"Writing to the commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1899, Rainy Mountain's superintendent, Cora Dunn, put the matter bluntly: "Our purpose is to change them forever." Places like Rainy Mountain, to echo David Wallace Adams's insightful phrase, proposed to use education for extinction." (Trafzer, Keller, and Sisquoc, 2006)
Although life and schedules would be rigorous for Indian Boarding students, it was impairative to have a sense of humor and find creative ways to maintain your sanity. "...activities relieved the monotony of school life and enabled students to maintain some sense of autonomy." (Trafzer, Keller, and Sisquoc, 2006)
I can only wonder what it would be like to be part of a "new generation" of Indians. (And the first generation of acculturated Indians) The ways of their parents would be no longer as the children of boarding schools began new lives after their graduations. Hmmm...
***Click on the title of the post and you will linked to "American Indian Boarding Schools Haunt Many"
by Charla Bear. This story and intervew which includes Floyd Red Crow Westerman was featured on National Public Radio on May 12, 2008.
I can't wait to hear more about your book Kara. I too wonder what it would be like to be a part of the new generation of Indians.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness that they were able to experience a little bit of fun behind having such a strict and strenuous curriculum with high expectations. I enjoyed watching the video, it almost calms me after reading Yvonne's last blog which was quite emotional. Too see smiles on childrens' faces. I especially found the top reasons of why indian children chose to attend a boarding school quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteIn the begining of your blog, a quote from (Trafzer, Keller, and Sisquoc, 2006)was such a strong statement. It definitely has me wondering.
In addition to your blog, thank you for sharing the website. My heart skipped a beat after learning about the boy who's head was cracked open apparently because he needed to be disciplined. I can imagine Mr. Floyd Red Crow Westerman riding away in a bus. But, I can not imagine the heartache he felt witnessing his mother crying, or the emotion he felt after his grandmother asked him who he was because he was not able to understand her. Richard Pratt's idea of "kill the indian, save the man" was successful after forcing many indian children to become civilized. At a young age, Westerman was a true example of that. He lost his native language, his culture and his traditional name.
It really is mind boggling that in the past boarding schools were known to be a horrifying place because of the negative experiences that a number of students were dealt and now, people are fighting to keep these boarding schools open. As always, thank you for sharing additional info in your blogs Kara, I look forward to reading the next one.