Throughout history, from American colonization until the mid-1900s, the American government designed and implemented various “educational” policies designed to assimilate, “Christianize,” and “civilize” indigenous peoples. With no regard for their varied and rich customs, traditions, values or lives, American Indians were subjected to numerous failed educational policies, serving as another example of the American government’s oppressive failings in regards to indigenous people. In this lesson, students will learn about the history of the education, or miseducation, of Native Americans/American Indians, as well as the various ways indigenous people have fought back and persevered, through interactive discussion based on an accompanying Power Point, the examination of primary sources, and art activities. By interpreting historical facts, photographs, reports, quotes, video clips, and other information, students will glean how the forced assimilation of Native children is an important chapter in understanding the government’s war on indigenous peoples, as well as how they and their cultures have survived despite such adversity.

Access the accompanying PPT here.