Assignment #12 Assignment: Reflection on Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools
Purpose: This assignment invites you to critically analyze the PBS documentary Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools through the lens of cultural identity, systemic oppression, and trauma-informed practice. You will reflect on how forced assimilation was implemented, its profound effects on Native American culture, and the implications of these historical injustices for contemporary human service practice.
Instructions:
Watch the documentary Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools, which examines the
Then, compose a 2–3 page essay (500–750 words) that addresses the following prompts:
- Mechanisms of Assimilation
- How did the boarding schools attempt to strip Native American children of their original identities and replace them with Euro-American norms? Discuss strategies such as forced language suppression, uniform clothing, haircuts, Christian indoctrination, name changes, and vocational training
- Impact on Native Culture
- What were the effects of these assimilation efforts on Native American culture, family dynamics, language preservation, and community cohesion? Include concepts such as cultural erasure, intergenerational trauma, and detribalization
- Implications for Human Services
- Reflect on how knowledge of this history should inform current human service practices. How can practitioners responsibly engage with Indigenous clients and communities to promote healing, cultural revitalization, and empowerment?
Be sure to incorporate relevant concepts from the course readings (e.g., cultural trauma, historical oppression, resilience frameworks) to deepen your analysis.
Format and Submission Guidelines:
- Length: 2–3 pages (approximately 500–750 words), double-spaced
- Font & Margins: 12-point Times New Roman; 1-inch margins
- Structure: Include a concise introduction, body paragraphs for each prompt, and a reflective conclusion
- Citations: Use APA 7th edition format to cite the documentary and any additional course or external sources
Due August 10
Assignment #12 Rubric: Reflection on "Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools"Total Points: 25
1. Mechanisms of Assimilation (5 points)
Excellent (5): Clearly and critically explains multiple mechanisms of forced assimilation (language suppression, clothing, haircuts, religion, name changes, vocational training) and connects them to identity loss. Proficient (4): Explains several mechanisms with adequate detail. Developing (2–3): Mentions some strategies but lacks depth or clarity. Needs Improvement (0–1): Minimal or inaccurate discussion.
2. Impact on Native American Culture (5 points)
Excellent (5): Insightful discussion of cultural erasure, intergenerational trauma, family disruption, language loss, and detribalization. Proficient (4): Addresses major impacts with reasonable understanding. Developing (2–3): Identifies impacts but discussion is superficial. Needs Improvement (0–1): Limited, vague, or inaccurate understanding.
3. Implications for Human Services Practice (5 points)
Excellent (5): Thoughtful and concrete reflection on trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice with Indigenous communities. Proficient (4): General discussion of implications for practice. Developing (2–3): Limited connection between history and practice. Needs Improvement (0–1): Little or no application to human services.
4. Integration of Course Concepts (5 points)
Excellent (5): Effectively integrates concepts such as cultural trauma, historical oppression, and resilience frameworks. Proficient (4): Uses some relevant concepts appropriately. Developing (2–3): Concepts mentioned but poorly integrated. Needs Improvement (0–1): No meaningful use of course concepts.
5. Organization, Clarity, and Writing Quality (5 points)
Excellent (5): Well-organized, clear thesis, strong flow, minimal errors, meets word count. Proficient (4): Mostly clear and organized, minor issues. Developing (2–3): Some organization or clarity problems. Needs Improvement (0–1): Disorganized, unclear, frequent errors.
Suggested Grading Scale: 23–25 = Excellent 20–22 = Good 17–19 = Satisfactory 14–16 = Needs Improvement Below 14 = Unsatisfactory