For 84th anniversary of Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School closing, ceremony honored the students
The Ziibiwing Center hosted an Honoring, Healing and Remembering Ceremony on June 6 at the site of the Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School to honor the children who attended and observe the 84th anniversary of its closing.
The Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School operated from 1893 to 1934 with an average enrollment of 300 American Indian students per year in grades K-8. The students were forbidden to speak their language, honor their culture, and practice their spirituality.
The all-day event began with breakfast and a traditional pipe ceremony, followed by a grand entry and flag song. Then, a "Remembering the Deceased" student roll call somberly listed the names of the children who lost their lives while attending the school.
It is estimated that at least 227 children died at the school in the 41 years it operated.
Other ceremonies at the event included a Jingle Dress Healing Dance and a Celebratory Round Dance.
Delivering the keynote address was K. Tsianina Lomawaima, author of "To Remain an Indian" and "They Called It Prairie Light: The Story of Chilocco Indian School."
