What happened to the kids at Indian boarding schools?

The experiences of children at Indian boarding schools in the United States were overwhelmingly negative and traumatic. The schools, run by the federal government and various religious organizations, were part of a deliberate policy of cultural assimilation and forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities. The goal was to erase Indigenous cultures and languages and integrate Indigenous people into mainstream American society. The methods used were brutal and resulted in lasting physical, emotional, and psychological damage to generations of Indigenous children.

Here are some of the key aspects of the harm inflicted:

* Physical Abuse: Children were subjected to physical punishments, including beatings, whippings, and other forms of violence. Malnutrition and inadequate medical care were also commonplace, leading to illness and death.

* Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse, both physical and psychological, was rampant. Children were vulnerable and often had no recourse against perpetrators, who were often school staff or other students.

* Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The forced separation from families and communities caused immense emotional distress. Children were forbidden from speaking their native languages, practicing their traditions, and connecting with their cultural heritage. This resulted in a profound sense of loss and identity confusion that has had lasting intergenerational effects.

* Cultural Genocide: The systematic suppression of Indigenous languages, religions, and cultural practices amounted to cultural genocide. The aim was to destroy Indigenous identities and replace them with a Euro-American worldview.

* Neglect and Abandonment: Many children died from disease, starvation, or neglect. Records were often poorly kept, and the true number of deaths remains unknown, though estimates are in the thousands.

* Forced Labor: Children were often forced to work, performing tasks like laundry, cleaning, and farm labor, instead of receiving an education.

The long-term consequences of these abuses are still felt today by Indigenous communities. The trauma experienced in these schools has contributed to higher rates of poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, and other social problems within Indigenous populations. The discovery of unmarked graves at the sites of many of these schools has brought renewed attention and outrage to the atrocities committed.

It's important to note that this is a summary and doesn't capture the full extent of the suffering endured by the children. Individual experiences varied, but the overarching pattern was one of systematic abuse and cultural destruction. Understanding this history is crucial for acknowledging the harm done and working towards reconciliation and healing.