Boarding schools were part of a strategy enacted by the federal government to assimilate Native Americans into the predominantly white society. From about 1820 until as late as 1983, more than 500 boarding schools operated across the United States, including some in Kansas and Nebraska. In many cases, children were taken hundreds of miles away from their families. Children rarely were allowed to spend time with family, even if parents, siblings, and others traveled great distances to see them. In other cases, restrictive laws and dishonest treaties forced Native families desperate to feed their children to turn minors over to boarding schools as a means of survival.

In nearly all cases, the schools prevented Native children from speaking their tribal language, wearing traditional clothing, and following their customs. Their hair often was cut short, and discipline often was harsh and violent. This effort to strip native children of their culture still greatly impacts tribal communities today, with many tribes being forced to make great efforts to preserve their languages and traditions.

Sunday, September 29, 2024, we will remember those Tribal children who were taken from their families and placed in boarding schools. We particularly remember those who died while at the schools and whose bodies were buried far from their homes. We remember that another death happened, a spiritual death, for many children who had their culture and spirituality taken from them. Please wear orange to support this remembrance.