Boarding School and Land Allotment Eras 1879-1933

1898

Boarding school epidemics sicken and kill many Native students

Navajo children at school in New Mexico. Image: Indian Health Service/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Navajo children at school in New Mexico. Image: Indian Health Service/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

George Gregory, superintendent of Fort Hall Industrial Boarding School, writes a letter to the Commissioner of Affairs noting that there is “a great deal of sickness” and citing the “large number of deaths.” He also notes that Native parents are reluctant to send children to the school (Native Voices, "1898: Boarding-school epidemics sicken students and kill many").

Traumatic Event