Starting in the late 1800s, the United States created an assimilation policy where they took Native American children from their families and placed them in harmful institutions called "Indian Boarding Schools", usually far away from home. Native children were treated badly and abused. Families were not allowed to see their children. Many children died in these institutions. The goal was to force Native peoples to assimilate into American society and eliminate all of their traditional cultures and languages. This policy did not end until 1978 and many schools remained open until the 1980s-2000s. The impact this policy has had on Native peoples is still being felt today and there are many survivors to tell their stories. 

This is a little known part of United States history that is often not taught in textbooks or schools. It is important to understand what happened and how it impacted Native peoples.  We also discuss Canadian Residential Schools and First Nations children. We will also be discussing the current issues of unmarked graves being found at these institutions in Canada and the United States, as well as the current US investigation into deaths and unmarked graves. New information about these issues are added to the class as it comes out. This class is taught from a Native perspective, by a Native person. 

This is a lecture style class with some time for questions and answers. This class can be highly emotional and upsetting, so I give a safe space to process those feelings. It is not for sensitive learners.