![[Photo]](Kinderb-75-se-40b.jpg) |
![[Photo]](Kinder-75-se-40a.jpg) |
Kindergarten classes at the Seger Indian School. Education at boarding schools, such as the Seger school, included academic and vocational endeavors. Typically, religious instruction was mandatory, discipline was harsh, and native languages were forbidden. In 1886-7, John D. Atkins, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, expressly prohibited "instruction in schools in any Indian language." This prohibition applied to all reservation schools, whether operated by the government or by missionaries. One exception was made: the use of native tongue in "the preaching of the Gospel." [Photograph courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration. Caption revised 10/4/03] |