Loss of Native Culture in Indian Boarding Schools: Sas Story

Abstract

Narrative on Culture Sa Lost When She Left Name: Institution: Course: Date: Narrative on Culture Sa Lost When She Left Being in an Indian Boarding School had a significant effect on Sa’s knowledge and practice of her culture. The objective of the institutions was to assimilate Native American children into the white cultural practices. Being at the school denied Sa the opportunity to learn key aspects of her culture including dress, language, and hair style. The institution made direct efforts to deny the Native American children the opportunity to practice the traditional and cultural ways of their people. Sa lacked the chance to act like a young Indian woman since she was placed in an institution that sought to isolate people from their culture. One of the most significant aspect about the appearance of women is their hair and this was the target for cultural assimilation on the Indian Boarding Schools. Sa lacked the opportunity to practice critical aspects of her culture including language, dressing, and hair styles. The assimilation process involved the changing of names for the Native American children to White names. Sa lost the connection to her culture associated with the name given to her by her parents. Assimilation presented the cultural and traditional practices of the Native Americans in a stereotypic perspective that affected the children’s impression of their culture. Actions such as assigning new names to children and preventing them from speaking the native language had significant effects on how they experienced their culture. Sa’s perspective of the Native American culture and traditions when she attended school was influenced by a biased view of the White people. The goal of the assimilation process was to make Native American children lose any connection with their own culture and values.