Abstract
American Indian education is one of the units taught in major colleges and universities in the United States of America. It is a unit that was introduced with the aim of helping history students understand the ancient history of the Indians who had then migrated into the country. This unit gives details of the assimilation of Indians, their culture and traditions into the lifestyles of the whites. In short, this was a long-term project that was intended to narrow the racial gap between Indians and Native Americans. Its introduction in schools was aimed at bringing together students from these two different races.
Introduction
The study of American Indian education, in my opinion, is a fruitful initiative that blends the customs and traditional practices of the Indians living in America and the whites. America is a multi-racial country that harbors people of various races whose migration into the nation dates back to the eras of slavery. The world wars, especially World War One, also had a great influence to the migration of Indians into the country.
During the periods that this unit has been taught in universities and colleges, there has been a significant acceptance of the Indians into the American societies unlike it was in the past. This is an indication that in addition to making students knowledgeable in their fields of expertise, American Indian education also serves as a unifying factor to the students. According to me, and presumably many others, this unit is one of a kind. It goes beyond enhancing proficiency in related fields.
The long walk of the Navajo
The long walk of the Navajo was a move that was taken by the American government to eliminate the Indians from their land between the years 1863 and 1864. During the earlier years, there was a relatively peaceful coexistence between the New Mexican Anglo-American settlers until a Navajo leader was murdered in 1849. This ruined the good relationship that existed amongst the settlers. The encroachment of Americans westwards by building a number of forts in the region further aggravate the situation.
Furthermore, the Bonneville Treaty signed in 1858 tremendously reduced the land owned by Navajo territory. All these factors gave rise to a fierce retaliation from the Navajo people who were ready to do whatever it takes to keep their land and scope of control. This was followed by attacks and counter-attacks from the US army despite the signing of several other treaties that tried to culminate the battle. More blood was shed in 1861 during a massacre of over thirty Native Americans that came about as result of a dispute at a horse race.
As events unfolded, the American army was planning an ambush to drive the Navajo people to the Long Walk. In order to accomplish this, the Americans destroyed their homes, fields, livestock and orchards and this made Navajos to succumb. After the defeat, over eight thousand men, women and children were forced to trek over 300 miles towards Bosque Redondo from northeastern Arizona. They were moved in the wrath of winter for about two months, leaving a trail of dead Navajo people who succumbed to the harsh weather. This was then called ‘The long walk of the Navajo’.
Those who survived the trek were settled at Bosque Redondo even though they were later acknowledged sovereignty through the signing of the famous Treaty of 1868. The victims were then returned to their original land of Arizona as agreed in the treaty. This long journey associated with utter suffering forms an important part of American Indian education.
Conclusion
American Indian education was introduced in the academic curriculum to aid in national healing and reconciliation amongst the two parties that were initially antagonists. It has since served its intended purpose alongside educating students. Its effects are felt all through from schools down to the society.
