WSU’s Manuscripts Archives and Special Collections (MASC) is exhibiting artifacts that tell the story of three generations of one family’s experience at Native American boarding schools. These schools, established in the late 19^th century but lasting until 1960s and 1970s, had the primary objective of assimilating Native American children into Euro-American culture. They did so by stripping Native children of their Native identities and culture, forbidding children and youth to speak their language, use their given names, or practice their own cultural traditions. Children were typically forcibly separated from their families, often at a young age, and many experienced abuse in boarding schools. This exhibit of the Paul family experience, which will run through March 16, recognizes the connections between the forced relocation and dislocations of native peoples and those of other refugee and migrant groups.

Verification of attendance available at the MASC main desk.