The Carlisle Indian Industrial School, operational in the late 19th century, is a stark reminder of the policies aimed at eradicating Native American cultures in the United States. In October 1879, two children, Matavito Horse, a Cheyenne boy, and Leah Road Traveler, an Arapaho girl, were among the first to be sent there, with the intent of stripping them of their identities. Sadly, both children succumbed to illness shortly after their arrival.
Recently, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes celebrated the repatriation of their children’s remains from a cemetery in Pennsylvania. Seventeen students' bodies were reburied at a ceremony in Oklahoma, bringing them home after long separations. This action is seen by leaders as a crucial step toward healing and justice for Indigenous families impacted by the boarding school system.
As the Tribes work to repatriate their children, records recovered from historians reveal harrowing details of the boarding school experience, where thousands of Native children were sent under dubious circumstances. While the school claimed to educate its students, many faced hardships, including illness, forced labor, and cultural alienation.
Several prominent historical figures, including tribal leaders and advocates, recall the systemic violence against Native children during this era. Many of the exhumed remains belong to those who died from illnesses such as tuberculosis, underscoring the conditions that these children endured.
Despite the sorrow associated with these discoveries, there is a sense of hope in the ongoing repatriation efforts. The Tribes, alongside advocates, emphasize the need for funding to continue identifying and returning the remains of their ancestors buried in various locations. As they navigate complex government regulations, the overarching goal remains clear: to honor the memories of lost children and forge a path toward healing this community.
These recent events remind us of the painful consequences of historical injustices but also highlight the resilience of Native American communities as they reclaim their history and assert their place in society.
