Ivan F. Star Comes Out
How does our boarding school experience affect us today?
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out This article began the moment I overheard some young people, perhaps in their late teens, asking each other about Boarding School then very quickly shifted their conversation to “more important” topics like Facebook and some gossip. I thought about all the problems here on the home land and realized or saw the disconnection between that appalling boarding school era and life today for many reservations. It is obvious this small group had very little knowledge regarding these schools but they do see the negative impact (s) today. However, they don’t see the connection between that tragic experience and Lakota life today. I see a huge void in our history from our ancestors’ experiences to our lives today. I believe our younger generations are totally oblivious to it. Now I question my generation’s disposition on this. Our ancestors, those that attended boarding schools, did not talk openly about their experiences. Of course, this historic episode was not included in any elementary or high school curriculum. Sometimes, I think we have been “herded” into “forgetting” this experience. Reality points to the fact that we are largely unaware.
Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: How does our boarding school experience affect us today? (Ivan F. Star Comes Out can be reached at POB 147, Oglala, SD 57764, (605)-867-2448 mato_nasula2@outlook.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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