Apache Apache Boarding Schools: A Study of the Tribe’s Early Education System

Introduction

The Apache Apache Boarding Schools were a network of institutions established by the US government in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to educate Apache children. The schools were designed to assimilate Apache children into white culture, suppressing their native language and traditions. This article will examine the history and impact of these boarding schools on the Apache people.

History of the Boarding Schools

The Apache Apache Boarding Schools were established in the 1870s and 1880s, following the forced relocation of Apache tribes to reservations. The US government saw education as a key tool in assimilating Native Americans into white culture, and the boarding schools were designed to provide a European-style education to Apache children. The schools were often run by Christian missionaries, who saw educating Apache children as a way to convert them to Christianity.

Life at the Boarding Schools

Life at the boarding schools was harsh and restrictive. Children were often taken from their families and sent to the schools at a young age, where they were forced to abandon their native language and culture. They were required to adopt European-style clothing and hairstyles, and were punished for speaking their native language. Students were also forced to work long hours in manual labor, often in poor conditions.

Impact on the Apache People

The Apache Apache Boarding Schools had a profound impact on the Apache people. Many children died in the schools due to poor living conditions, disease, and malnutrition. Those who survived often suffered from physical and emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The boarding schools also disrupted the Apache family structure, as children were taken from their families and forced to assimilate into white culture.

Legacy of the Boarding Schools

The legacy of the Apache Apache Boarding Schools continues to affect the Apache people today. Many Apache communities struggle with intergenerational trauma, as the effects of the boarding schools are passed down from generation to generation. Efforts are being made to revitalize the Apache language and culture, including language immersion programs and cultural camps. However, the impact of the boarding schools is still felt, and the Apache people continue to work towards healing and reconciliation.

Conclusion

The Apache Apache Boarding Schools were a tragic chapter in the history of the Apache people. The forced assimilation of Apache children into white culture had devastating consequences, including physical and emotional trauma, cultural suppression, and intergenerational trauma. However, the Apache people are working towards healing and reconciliation, and efforts to revitalize their language and culture are underway. This article has provided a brief overview of the history and impact of the boarding schools, and highlights the importance of acknowledging and learning from this painful chapter in Apache history.