Native American Homework

Native American Americanization: Video Handout Sheet

              The First Boarding (sleep away) School opened in 1900 attended 83 pupils (students) which eventually grew to 200 by 1902, with the target of teaching Native American children some American ideals and to educate them. It operated only until 1914 after which time the children attended day schools closer to their homes.
               The national system of Indian education, including both off reservation (Native American land) boarding schools, reservation boarding schools and day schools, continued to expand at the turn of the century. In the Pacific Northwest, Chemawa Indian School became the largest off reservation boarding school and drew pupils from throughout the region and Alaska. Chemawa had originally been located at Forest Grove, Oregon, but was moved to Salem in 1885 after officials determined that the original site lacked adequate agricultural (farming) land. By 1920 Chemawa enrolled 903 students from 90 different tribes, nearly a third coming from Alaska. There were a large number of Native Americans placing their children in these programs.
                   All federal boarding schools, whether on or off reservation, shared certain characteristics. The Bureau of Indian Affairs issued directives that were followed by superintendents throughout the nation. Even the architecture and landscaping appeared similar from one institution to the next. Common features included a military style regimen, a strict adherence to English language only, an emphasis on farming, and a schedule that equally split academic and vocational training.

Questions on the reading and film: Answer in complete sentences, use examples from the text as well as the video.

1.    What benefits did the Native American population gain from sending their children to schools such as this?
2.    If given the opportunity would you make a similar decision, would you send your child to become educated by American standards?
3.    What are some examples of resistance that are displayed by some young Native Americans in the video?
4.    From what you’ve read above, what could be some negative aspects of this approach was put into practice.