It is only recently that Americans and Canadians have learned the truth about a dark chapter in their national histories. Whites had stolen Indigenous people's lands, often making them walk hundreds of miles to the reservations they were forced into. In the late 19th century they came up with a new way to destroy Indigenous culture: they would kill the Indian to save the man.
Very young children were stolen their families and tribes and taken to Indian boarding schools. Upon arrival they were stripped of their identities. Their hair was cut, their names were changed to white ones, and they had to wear white people clothes. And speak only English. They were punished severely if they spoke their native languages or practiced the customs and religions they'd been nurtured in. Life in these schools was brutal and too often short. Due to malnutrition, poor or nonexistent medical care, overwork, and torture many ended up in unmarked graves. Many of those who survived suffered from their trauma for the rest of their lives.
Dan Sasuweh Jones, author of Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy Of The American Indian Boarding Schools, tells their stories from a unique perspective. Beginning with his grandmother who was stolen when she was only four, three generations of his family were educated at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School. Through their experiences and those of their peers Jones illuminates how the school changed and failed to change over the decades.
While documenting how they were mistreated, Jones pays tribute to their strength and courage. And it's an important 📖 for younger readers who still don't learn about them in school.
On a purrrsonal note, Sunday I went on a road trip with Eugene. It gave me a chance to enjoy the vivid Maine foliage. And Eugene bought me two new Squishmallows.
A great big shout out goes out to Eugene.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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