Education and Erasure: A Complicated Legacy

What were federal Indian school educators trying to achieve in the early 20th century—and what harm did their efforts cause? In this virtual lecture, historian Dr. Larry Skogen draws on his two-volume work To Educate American Indians to examine the writings of teachers and administrators who worked inside the federal Indian school system from 1900–1909. Their words reveal a tangle of intentions: some sought to preserve elements of Native culture, while others reinforced policies of forced assimilation. This nuanced look into the educators’ perspectives does not excuse the trauma of the boarding school era—it helps us understand how such a system was rationalized, implemented, and endured. Through historical evidence and moral reflection, Dr. Skogen invites audiences to confront this complex legacy and consider how truth-telling can contribute to healing today.

Dr. Larry Skogen is a historian and former president of Bismarck State College. A U.S. Air Force veteran and scholar of U.S. Indian education policy, he is the author of the two-volume series To Educate American Indians: Selected Writings from the National Educational Association’s Department of Indian Education, 1900–1909. Dr. Skogen's work explores the complex legacy of early 20th-century federal education efforts and their impact on Native communities. He continues to write, teach, and speak on history, leadership, and democratic values.

Moderator Tomi Cimarosti serves as the Indigenous Education Director for Bismarck Public Schools, where she leads efforts to strengthen Indigenous student programs and advance educational equity. A member of the Standing Rock Dakota/Lakota Oyate of the Iháŋktȟuŋwaŋna Yanktonai, she brings more than two decades of experience working with youth, families, and community organizations across North Dakota. A graduate of Minot State University, Cimarosti previously served BPS as a behavioral specialist, family engagement liaison, and prevention facilitator. Her work centers on fostering cultural understanding, celebrating Indigenous history and teachings, and creating thriving learning environments where every student feels seen and valued.