During the late
1800's. boarding schools were opened all across the nation in the
attempt to "civilize" Native American children by forcing
them to think and act like the dominant white culture while simultaneously
erasing all ties to their traditional language and culture. This was
done by removing the children from their homes and placing them in
boarding schools, away from their family and often, their communities.
The Cherokee Boarding School opened on the Qualla Boundary, commonly
known as the Cherokee Reservation, in 1880 and remained in operation
until 1954.
This unit was
created in order to make students aware of this dramatic event in
Cherokee history, to examine the causes, effects and current impacts
of the Indian boarding school, and to realize the importance of embracing
and maintaining one's traditional culture and language. It is geared
towards fourth graders and will take approximately three weeks to
complete. Objectives form the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
and the American Indian Content Standards will be incorporated.
