ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

American Indian boarding schools

When the white people came to America, they took over the land of Native Americans. They didn't want Native Americans to continue practicing their own traditions and beliefs. So, the white people started making special schools for Native American children. These were called American Indian Boarding Schools.

In these schools, Native American children had to leave their homes and live in the school dormitories. They were not allowed to speak their own language or practice their own traditions. They were only allowed to speak English and do what the white people told them to do. They were also punished if they didn't follow the rules.

The schools tried to teach the children how to be like white people. They also tried to teach them skills like farming and housekeeping so that they could become useful workers. But many children did not enjoy these schools. They missed their families and the way of life that they knew.

This went on for a long time, and many Native Americans suffered from being taken away from their families and not being able to practice their own traditions. Today, some Native Americans still carry the pain of their ancestors who went to these boarding schools. It's important to remember their story and to work towards healing and understanding.