Regulations and Staging
In an effort to "kill the indian and save the man", drastic measures were taken to force the assimilation of Native American youth. The picture to the right of three young girls presents the beginnings of school regulations at Carlisle. These three girls stand together sporting short hair, something very uncommon of native members. Cutting of the hair was key to making Native peoples more like white anglo-americans.
Along with changes in personal physical appearence, it was imperitive that students switch out their native clothing for non-native dresses or suit uniforms. Grace cook and her father pose for a picture in the photo to the right. One may notice Grace's pure white non-native attire contrasting with that of her father's Native garb.
Bob Tail and his son, Joseph Bobtail, are another example of the effects of the metamorphasis the children undergo at boarding schools. Joseph Bobtail sports the school uniform, yet his father Bob tail is placed next to him, possibly to highlight the contrast the the school could make as a boast of their assimilating abilities. This image gives off an interesting feeling as dry grass is placed on the ground and they are photographed intfront of a forrest like backdrop.
Not only did assimilation harm the child, but it also served in harming ties to family members. The regulation of ceasing to speak Native languages barred families from being the same as they were pre-enrollment. This targetting of the youth allowed for annihalation of culture and identity.