Questions about the Carlisle Indian School

What was the Carlisle Indian School?

• A military academy

• A Native American boarding school

• A public high school

• A university

Define the following: inferior, federally-funded.

• Inferior means lower in rank, status, or quality; federally-funded means receiving financial support from the federal government.

• Inferior means superior in quality; federally-funded means privately financed.

• Inferior means equal in status; federally-funded means state-funded.

• Inferior means unrelated; federally-funded means not funded by the government.

How did General Pratt’s view of Native Americans differ from that of the general public at the time?

• General Pratt believed in assimilating Native Americans into American society, while the general public often viewed them as savages.

• General Pratt supported the removal of Native Americans from their lands, aligning with the general public's view.

• General Pratt advocated for the preservation of Native American culture, contrary to the general public's assimilationist stance.

• General Pratt had no distinct views on Native Americans, similar to the general public.

What did General Pratt mean in saying that “all the Indian there is in the race should be dead”? What is wrong with this statement?

• He meant that the cultural identity of Native Americans should be eradicated, which is a harmful and oppressive viewpoint.

• He was advocating for the physical extermination of Native Americans, which is a genocidal statement.

• He was suggesting that Native Americans should assimilate into American society, which is a controversial stance.

• He was expressing a desire for Native Americans to maintain their cultural heritage, which is a positive statement.

Based on images B.1 & B.2, provide three examples of how the US government instituted change to Native Americans.

How might changing one’s name impact a person’s identity?

• It can lead to a loss of personal history.

• It has no impact on identity.

• It strengthens cultural ties.

• It always results in a positive change.

Provide at least three examples of how ethnocentrism played a role in the way that the Indian boarding schools operated.

• Ethnocentrism led to the suppression of native languages and cultures.

• Ethnocentrism encouraged the integration of native traditions into the curriculum.

• Ethnocentrism resulted in the promotion of native leadership within the schools.

• Ethnocentrism fostered an appreciation for native customs among the staff.

What is a common aspect of boarding school life?

• Living away from family

• Commuting daily from home

• Attending only day classes

• Studying online

What perceptions did white people have about Native people?

• They viewed them as noble savages.

• They considered them as equals.

• They saw them as advanced and civilized.

• They believed they were technologically superior.

Based on the information, why were dormitory windows kept open at night?

• To allow fresh air circulation

• To prevent overheating

• To reduce humidity

• To save energy