Question

Boarding schools for indigenous children's contributed to the government's goal for native Americans by

Answer 1

Boarding schools for Indigenous children, primarily in the United States and Canada, were established with the intention of assimilating Native American populations into Euro-American culture. This policy was part of a broader governmental goal aimed at integrating Indigenous peoples into mainstream society, often referred to as "civilizing" efforts.

Key contributions of these boarding schools to the government's goals included:

1. **Cultural Assimilation**: Boarding schools aimed to eradicate Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices among children. Students were typically forbidden to speak their native languages or practice their cultural customs, which facilitated the government's objective of promoting a singular national identity.

2. **Education and Vocational Training**: The curriculum in these schools often emphasized basic education, vocational skills, and the values of Euro-American society. This education was intended to prepare Indigenous children for roles that aligned with non-Indigenous societal expectations, furthering the goal of assimilation.

3. **Separation from Family and Community**: By removing children from their families and communities, boarding schools sought to break the transmission of cultural values and identities. This separation was seen as a means to lessen the influence of Indigenous cultures on the youth and promote reliance on Western ideals.

4. **Legal and Policy Framework Support**: The establishment of these schools was often backed by federal policies designed to undermine tribal sovereignty and promote assimilation, serving as a tool for broader governmental strategies of land acquisition and control over Indigenous communities.

5. **Fostering Dependency on Government Institutions**: Through education and cultural assimilation, the schools aimed to create a generation of Native Americans who would be more dependent on government institutions, thereby fostering an alignment with the interests of the state.

While the intent of these boarding schools was to further the assimilation of Indigenous peoples into American society, the legacy of these institutions has had long-lasting negative impacts on Indigenous cultures, families, and identities, contributing to ongoing social and cultural challenges faced by Native American communities today.