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

Introduction

The Apache tribe has a rich and diverse history, with a strong emphasis on education and cultural preservation. This article will explore the early education system of the Apache tribe, with a focus on the boarding schools established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These schools played a significant role in shaping the tribe’s educational landscape and had a lasting impact on the Apache people.

History of Apache Boarding Schools

The Apache tribe was forcibly relocated to reservations in the late 19th century, and as a result, their traditional way of life was severely disrupted. In an effort to assimilate the Apache people into white culture, the US government established a series of boarding schools, where Apache children were sent to be educated in European-style schools.

The Boarding School Experience

Life at the boarding schools was harsh and brutal, with Apache children subjected to physical and emotional abuse. They were forced to abandon their traditional language, culture, and customs, and were instead taught European values and practices. The children were also forced to cut their hair, wear European-style clothing, and adopt European names.

Impact on the Apache Tribe

The Apache boarding schools had a devastating impact on the tribe’s education and cultural heritage. Many Apache children died at the schools due to disease, malnutrition, and mistreatment. Those who survived were left with deep emotional scars, and were often unable to reconnect with their Apache heritage.

Conclusion

The Apache boarding schools were a tragic chapter in the history of the Apache tribe. While they were intended to educate and assimilate the Apache people, they ultimately had a devastating impact on the tribe’s cultural heritage and educational system. Today, the Apache tribe is working to revitalize their language and cultural practices, and to rebuild their educational system on a foundation of respect and understanding for their traditions and values.