U.S. Boarding Schools for Native American Children: A Historical Overview

The U.S. government and various Christian denominations operated boarding schools for Native American children from the 19th through the 20th centuries, aiming to assimilate them by severing ties to their families and cultures. The **Carlisle Indian Industrial School** in Pennsylvania stands out as a prominent example, having served as a model for similar institutions. Recent investigations into these schools have highlighted the extensive impact on Native communities, including the tragic loss of life among students.

According to a review from the **U.S. Department of the Interior** published in 2024, a total of **417 federally funded boarding schools** were identified across the United States. This figure does not encompass numerous other schools operated by religious groups and private organizations. The Interior Department also reported an “incomplete” identification of **65 burial sites** associated with these schools, underscoring the enduring legacy of these institutions.

The **Carlisle Indian Industrial School**, which operated from **1879 to 1918**, enrolled children from more than **100 tribes** throughout its four decades of existence. The school enforced policies designed to erase tribal identities, including the prohibition of Indigenous languages, traditional clothing, and cultural practices. A petition signed by students in **1913** sought an investigation into the harsh conditions at the school, reflecting the widespread dissatisfaction among those affected.

The documented number of student deaths at Carlisle reached a staggering **3,100**, according to a **Washington Post** review conducted last year. Researchers emphasize that this figure likely understates the true toll, suggesting that the actual number of fatalities may be significantly higher. The tragic circumstances surrounding these deaths have prompted calls for accountability and healing within Native communities.

Since **2017**, efforts to repatriate Indigenous remains from the **Carlisle Barracks cemetery** have been underway, with the recent exhumation of the remains of **17 students**. Currently, **118 graves** contain identifiable Native American or Alaska Native names, while approximately **20 additional graves** remain unmarked, containing unidentified Indigenous children. These efforts are part of a broader movement by the **National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition** to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in the U.S.

The legacy of these boarding schools is deeply intertwined with numerous treaties made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. These agreements not only reflect the historical context of westward expansion but have also shaped ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of Indigenous communities.

As the conversation surrounding these schools continues, it is essential to recognize the profound impact they have had on generations of Native Americans. The push for acknowledgment, accountability, and healing remains a critical aspect of reconciling with this painful chapter in U.S. history.