In the late 19th century, popular opinion regarding the savagery of Native Americans was changing. People no longer believed that Indians were inherently different from whites. They no longer believed that they were incapable of becoming "civilized". Rather, they supported the U.S. Government authorizing schools to educate the Native American population and prepare them to be integrated into society. One of the first of these schools was Forest Grove Indian School in Oregon. The school was deliberately separated from tribal lands and the initial class of 14 boys and 4 girls were taught skills like blacksmithing, shoe making, carpentry and wagon making. In addition to vocational and academic training, the schools also followed an assimilation process with distinct military hallmarks. Students were subject to daily routines of forced discipline and regimentation. Boys had to get short haircuts, and all students were required to replace traditional Indian clothing with military uniforms and dresses. Only English language was spoken and students were forbidden to practice their traditional religion. All of this was designed to replace Indian identity with one that would allow for a smooth transition into American society.
In 1881, President Chester A. Arthur, dedicated a large portion of his annual address to the assimilation of Indians and the education of Native Americans. He praised the Forest Grove school, and advised "a liberal appropriation for the support of Indian schools". He believed it to be the course which "is consistent with the wisest economy". President Arthur continued:
"Even among the most uncultivated Indian tribes there is reported to be a general and urgent desire on the part of the chiefs and older members for the education of their children. It is unfortunate, in view of this fact, that during the past year the means which have been at the command of the Interior Department for the purpose of Indian instruction have proved to be utterly inadequate.In 1885, the Forest Grove school moved to Salem area in Oregon where it eventually became the Chemawa Indian School which today serves the 9th through 12th grades (sometimes referred to as the Chemewa High School). As time passed, the rigorous military disciplines have been abandoned and the assimilation goals have been replaced with an emphasis on Native American pride and Identity.
The success of the schools which are in operation at Hampton, Carlisle, and Forest Grove should not only encourage a more generous provision for the support of those institutions, but should prompt the establishment of others of a similar character.
They are doubtless much more potent for good than the day schools upon the reservation, as the pupils are altogether separated from the surroundings of savage life and brought into constant contact with civilization."
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