1887: Indian Affairs Commissioner bans Native languages in schools

Commissioner of Indian Affairs J. D. C. Atkins first bans instruction in Native languages as well as the speaking of Native languages in mission schools. Mission schools on reservations are required to provide all instruction in English, and Adkins directs that missionaries who fail to comply will not be allowed on reservations. Then, the order is extended to government-run schools on reservations.

“The Government has entered upon the great work of educating and citizenizing the Indians and establishing them upon homesteads.” —Commissioner of Indian Affairs J. D. C. Atkins

Theme

Federal-Tribal Relations, Native Rights

Region

Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic