They Called It Prairie Light Chapter 2

Much of what we know about the daily lives of the students and employees at Chilocco Indian School we learned through narratives. Some of the earliest recollections tell of traveling to Chilocco in the dead of winter by way of wagon. Many of the students were like me when I took my first steps onto the University of North Dakota campus. They were surprised by the size of the campus and large number of students.

Upon arrival came shock, with the shock came homesickness. As students became homesick, many decided to run away. One group of students who were caught planning an escape were stripped naked, given a blanket, and dropped off in the middle of the prairie. I guess the superintendent figured, if they want to leave, then let them go. I’m sure occurrences like this kept some of the other students from trying to leave.

I was glad to learn that over time, education become a more desired commodity. Instead of having to attend, students began wanting to attend. Like attending some colleges today, Chilocco became a family tradition. Younger siblings wanted to follow in their brothers’ and sisters’ footsteps and attend Chilocco. Just like colleges today, Chilocco had an application for acceptance. By the 1920’s, Chilocco was forced to deny over 300 applicants for lack of space. When Chilocco made the decision to only teach upper grades, a more structured curriculum was put into place. It began establishing itself as an agricultural school. Later, girls were introduced to the teaching aspect of school.

After reading chapter 2, I learned that although Chilocco was established to keep Native Americans from practicing their traditions, not everything about it was negative. Many alumni told of enjoying their time at Chilocco. They were taught valuable trades that they were able to use in their everyday lives upon leaving the school. Some of the students even had trouble adjusting to the outside world once they were on their own. I think that the structure the school brought to student’s lives helped make them the people they grew to be. My grandmother who attended boarding school is the hardest working woman I have ever met. At 77, she still jokes that she can outwork me any day!