School Policy Reforms
It became evident these schools were ineffective and did not help Indigenous children to successfully assimilate. The Meriam Report of 1928 investigated the conditions and policies of Indian boarding schools, criticizing the schools for poor diet, overcrowding, insufficient medical services, and dependence on student labor. These schools were simply not working and required reform to ensure success for Indigenous children. During the 1900s, acts such as the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 shifted the focus of boarding schools to local schools. By the 1980s, boarding schools were either closed or placed under the control of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).
There are currently four BIE boarding schools, including Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota, that are supported by Native communities. By the 21st century, these schools have changed significantly. The modern boarding schools reflect and foster Indigenous knowledge and culture. They put more emphasis on American Indian art, culture, language, history, and celebration of heritage.
