Deer Lady

Deer Lady, Or How "Rez Dogs" is Changing Conversations about Boarding Schools and the Need for Accurate Educational Representation

While watching the episode "Deer Lady" of the much-acclaimed FX series "Reservation Dogs" with my teenage nephew, I was once again struck by the power of popular culture to catalyze profound conversations. This episode, which delved into the harrowing history of Indian boarding schools and the attempts by the U.S. government and the church to eradicate Native cultures, opened the door for "the conversation."

Navigating through topics like colonialism, coloniality, and settler colonialism, our discussion gradually unfolded. We touched upon the foundational events of colonial encounters and the continual shadows of settler colonialism that still loom over Indigenous communities. Guiding this conversation, a thought repeatedly struck me: How do many parents, unfamiliar with this history, broach such profound subjects with their children? More importantly, shouldn't our schools be leading this educational charge?

It's unsettling to realize that vast sections of our shared history, especially the pain and trauma inflicted upon Native American communities, remain unspoken in mainstream education. My nephew's curiosity about why he had never learned about this in school was palpable in our conversation. How do significant historical truths find themselves omitted or glossed over in textbooks? By sidestepping the tumultuous experiences of Native American communities, we aren't only doing a disservice to them but also denying our youth a complete, well-rounded education.

While "Reservation Dogs" masterfully melds comedy with the poignant realities of four indigenous teenagers, it doesn't flinch from unveiling the agonizing traumas of past generations. The series has catalyzed discussions and self-reflection by spotlighting such issues, especially among the youth. Yet, pop culture, influential as it may be, cannot be the only avenue for such awareness. Only some parents or guardians can handle subsequent discussions with the depth they deserve. This is where our schools, teeming with skilled educators and structured curricula, should step in, bridging the chasm in our historical understanding.

The narratives we choose to include and exclude in our educational system reflect our values. While global tragedies like the Holocaust are taught extensively, the cultural genocide on American soil is often overlooked. The question remains: why this glaring inconsistency?

Now that shows like "Rez Dogs" have ignited the conversation, it's high time that educational institutions and school boards rise to the occasion. Social sciences courses must include comprehensive sections on the Native American experience, including the horrors of the American Indian boarding schools. Such education will ensure that the youth are well-informed and empathetic to the struggles of Indigenous communities.

Moreover, addressing these issues in classrooms will highlight the resilience and resistance of Indigenous communities, showcasing how, despite decades of cultural genocide and suppression, Indigenous spirit and communities remain alive and continuously fighting for self-determination and land back.

"Reservation Dogs" has not just entertained but educated and initiated a much-needed dialogue. It's now up to educators, policymakers, and society at large to continue the conversation. By embracing the truth about our shared history and acknowledging past wrongs, we can hope for a future where all cultures are celebrated and where the youth are genuinely informed.

My nephew's eyes were drawn to a piece of art adorning my wall as our evening wound down. Emboldened with the words: "Exist, Resist, Indigenize, Decolonize," it suddenly held a deeper meaning for him.