"They Called It Prarie Light"

Chilocco 1955 Graduates. Photo retrieved from Google image.

As an adolescent, I can recall the stories that my late grandmother shared as she attended the Keams Canyon Boarding School. Though the school that she attended was located on the Navajo reservation, she had similar experiences of those attending Chilocco Boarding School, which was a culture shock. Restricted from speaking her native tongue, being taught in english only, and having expectations as a young women were just a few of her recollections. Washing their mouth out with soap or forcing their students to eat chili or something spicy was a punishment for speaking their native tongue. Being sent outside without shoes or the proper clothing on a wintery day was another punishment. Although I do not know the exact date or year she attended, I do know that her last year of education was at a fifth grade level. Shortly after leaving the boarding school, she was arranged to a young medicine man whom she grew to love, built a home with eleven children.

Unfortunately as a child, I did not understand nor did I speak the Dine' language. However, because my grandmother was forced to speak and was taught in the english language, I was able to conversate with her. Most importantly, I was able to learn a little bit more of her history and experiences in which has become my own personal lessons in life. As I read more about our history as a Native American, I find myself eager to want to learn more in regards to what other tribal affiliations have encountered as they struggled to continue their traditional lifestyles. Thankfully to the first chapter of Chilocco Indian School, I am more aware of how the name came to be as well as the improvements in the mid 1880's. It was unexpected that though many students had a negative experience some surprisingly, were thankful for their personal gains and skills. I now have a different perspective and have additional questions.