The Legacy of Missionary Schools on Indigenous Communities

The Establishment of Missionary Schools in North America

In the latter half of the 19th century, the United States government and various religious organizations began establishing missionary schools, also known as boarding or residential schools, with the aim of assimilating Indigenous children into mainstream American society. The first government-run school of this kind was opened on the Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington State in 1860. These schools were founded on the principle that education could "civilize" Native American children and were influenced by reformers such as Colonel Richard Henry Pratt. Pratt, who founded the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania in 1879, famously espoused the philosophy of "Kill the Indian, save the man," which encapsulated the assimilationist goals of these institutions.

The Educational Philosophy and Practices of Missionary Schools

The missionary schools' primary goal was to systematically strip away Indigenous cultures and languages, replacing them with Euro-American customs and the English language. Upon arrival, children were often forced to abandon their traditional attire and names in favor of those deemed more "appropriate" by the school authorities. The curriculum focused on English literacy and Christian teachings, while also promoting Euro-American values such as individualism and the nuclear family structure. The schools celebrated holidays like Thanksgiving and Columbus Day, which were deeply ironic given their historical significance in the colonization and oppression of Indigenous peoples. Additionally, the schools provided vocational training, which was gender-specific, with girls learning domestic skills and boys learning agricultural or mechanical trades.

Conditions and Treatment in Missionary Schools

Life within missionary schools was harsh and regimented, with strict discipline that often escalated to physical abuse for violations of rules, such as speaking native languages. Survivors' accounts, like those of Lone Wolf who spoke out in 1894, detail the physical and psychological abuse endured by students. Overcrowding and inadequate sanitation led to frequent disease outbreaks, contributing to a high mortality rate among the children. Many who died were buried in unmarked graves on school grounds. The legacy of these schools includes the long-term psychological trauma and cultural disconnection experienced by the survivors.

Indigenous Resistance and the Decline of Missionary Schools

Despite the oppressive nature of missionary schools, Indigenous resistance was persistent. Some families concealed their children or left their homes to prevent their forced attendance. Others taught their children to escape from the schools, and some tribes collectively refused to participate. The U.S. government often responded with punitive measures, such as withholding food rations or using force. A notable act of resistance occurred in 1895 when nineteen Hopi men were incarcerated at Alcatraz for opposing the school policy. Criticism of the schools' abusive practices and their failure to achieve their assimilationist goals eventually led to their decline, with most closing by the mid-20th century. The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 marked a significant change, granting Native American parents the right to decide their children's education.

The Enduring Impact of Missionary Schools on Indigenous Peoples

The history of missionary schools is a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of efforts to erase their cultural identities. The intergenerational trauma resulting from the schools' practices has had profound effects on Indigenous peoples, affecting cultural continuity and individual identity. The uncovering of mass graves at former school sites, such as those found in Canada in 2021, has reignited discussions about this painful legacy and the need for reconciliation. Understanding the history of missionary schools is crucial in acknowledging the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and is an essential step towards healing and reconciliation.