The Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

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17

Acculturation; American Indian Education; American Indians; Authoritarianism; Boarding Schools; Educational Environment; Educational History; Educational Philosophy; Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Indian Relationship; Ideology; Immersion Programs; Role of Education; Vocational Education

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School was the first off-reservation boarding school and began the social experiment of assimilation of Native Americans into American culture. For almost 40 years, from 1879 to 1918, the school sought to civilize "savage" Indian children. Richard H. Pratt, founder of the school, believed that the school was the solution to the "Indian problem." To successfully carry out the mission to assimilate and rehabilitate, Pratt believed that the school must "Kill the Indian, save the man." To achieve this goal, totalitarian methods were employed, and all aspects of life were controlled. All traces of Indian culture were removed from the view and memory of students. Students were given new Anglo names, and they were forbidden to speak their native language. Boys' hair was cut in the Anglo fashion, and Indian dress was replaced with military uniforms. Girls were given Victorian-style uniform dresses and shoes. During summers, students were placed with Anglo families instead of returning home. Students spent half the day at scholastic study, primarily learning English, and the other half pursuing vocational training. By total immersion in Anglo-American culture, students internalized the belief that Whites were culturally superior. Pratt believed that the goal of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, to assimilate and rehabilitate Indian students, was successful. However, in retrospect, the U.S. government's goal of eradicating Native American cultures failed miserably. (TD)

2003

ED472262