Native American Boarding Schools Essay

Boarding schools like the one that Hoke Denetsosie attended in Arizona were created across the nation to give the American government control over Indians and to push natives to adopt white ways of life. These boarding schools were often extremely unpleasant places for Native Americans and stripped away much of their identity. However, some of the worst aspects were found in the conditions of living. Many studies show that government boarding schools were often overcrowded and many of the students were unnourished. Students also often basic supplies such as soap and other items needed for sanitation purposes. As Hoke Denetsosie states, food and other supplies were not plentiful in many boarding schools. In addition, many times students were not provided with adequate clothing such as clothes, coats, and shoes for the winter months. This lack of clothing combined with the undernourishment and lack of sanitation contributed to the rampant spread of disease that killed many students that attended boarding schools. Schools ran on strict schedules and rules because those in charge believed it would keep things under control and there would be less chance of protest. However, many students felt that they were slaves. They worked all day for little or …show more content…
The lack of connection with their homes left many students suffering from severe homesickness and emotional hardships from being separated from their families with little communication. They also often experienced the feeling of losing their identity as a race. Students often returned home showing no signs of their Indian ethnicity with short hair, in “white man’s clothing”, and lacking communication skills because of forgotten tribal