Independent Lens Season 23 Episode 4 Home From School: The Children of Carlisle

In season 23 episode 4 of Independent Lens, titled "Home From School: The Children of Carlisle," viewers are taken on a journey through the experiences of indigenous children who were forced to attend the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The episode explores the traumatic history of the school and the impact it had on the lives of its students.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School was founded in 1879 by Captain Richard Henry Pratt. Pratt's goal was to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture by forcing them to abandon their languages, traditions, and beliefs. Children were taken from their families and brought to the school where they were stripped of their cultural identities and taught to speak English, adopt Christian beliefs, and adopt American ways of life. The children faced harsh punishments for speaking their native languages or practicing their traditions. The impact of these policies on the children who attended Carlisle was devastating, leading to a lasting legacy of trauma and intergenerational trauma.

"Home From School" introduces viewers to several survivors of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, now elderly and recounting their experiences at the school and their lives after leaving. The episode also features indigenous scholars and historians who have researched the history of the school and its impact on Native American communities.

Through interviews with survivors and experts, the episode provides a window into the daily lives of children at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, from the many hours spent working on the school's farm to the constant reinforcement of Euro-American values and beliefs. The experiences of these children are contrasted with the experiences of those who were able to remain home with their families and maintain their cultural identities. The episode also explores the ways in which the school's legacy of trauma has been passed down through generations, affecting not only those who attended the school but also their families and communities.

"Home From School" is a powerful reminder of the devastating impacts of forced assimilation policies and the importance of preserving cultural identities. The episode sheds light on a dark chapter in American history that is often overlooked, and stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of indigenous communities who have survived and continue to thrive in the face of oppression and trauma.