WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL students learn of Native American struggle

On Thursday, November 16, Chief Ted Roll of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation Tribe visited West Middle School.

Mr. Scott Bentley, Superintendent of River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, joined him. They spoke to eighth grade social studies students about our area's involvement in the War of 1812. This war had a great impact on the several Native American tribes that were located in this area at that time.

    

Chief Ted Roll discussed his position as present Chief of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation tribe. His goal is to bring back and celebrate the customs and language of his ancestors. During this outreach program

Chief Roll told the students that beginning in 1879, The Bureau of Indian Affairs systematically removed Indian children from their families and sent them to boarding schools across the country. Away from their families, they were not allowed to speak their native language or practice their customs. They were required to cut their hair and change their attire. In other words, they attempted to "kill the Indian" out of them. In severe cases the government exterminated large groups of children through mass shootings. 

   

Mr. Bentley and Chief Roll spoke of the removal of the tribes away from the white man. This came to be known as the Indian Removal Act. Some tribes were removed to Kansas City, Kansas and then Oklahoma. Other tribes escaped to Canada. During this arduous journey many Native Americans, especially the young and elderly did not survive.

This relocation movement came to be known as the “Trail of Tears.”

West students and staff are grateful for the information Chief Roll and Mr. Bentley provided our eighth graders. From their visit we have a better understanding of the struggle of Native Americans in this country.

Our speakers hope that by informing this generation of students to the Native American plight, future legislation will be enacted to preserve and appreciate the culture and contributions Native Americans have made to science, sports and government. It is only from learning of our past that we can make better decisions in the future.

Submitted by Sara Bochenek