In this comprehensive history of American Indian education in the United States from colonial times to the present, historians and educators Jon Reyhner and Jeanne Eder explore the broad spectrum of Native experiences in missionary, government, and tribal boarding and day schools. This up-to-date survey is the first one-volume source for those interested in educational reform policies and missionary and government efforts to Christianize and “civilize” American Indian children. Drawing on firsthand accounts from teachers and students, American Indian Education considers and analyzes shifting educational policies and philosophies, paying special attention to the passage of the Native American Languages Act and current efforts to revitalize Native American cultures.

Originally published in 1992. This book advocates and demonstrates the benefits of an anthropological approach that recognizes the centrality of culture in the educational process. This approach encompasses knowledge and understanding of other cultures’ patterns of interaction, values, institutions, metaphors and symbols as well as cross-cultural communication skills. Ethnographic studies of multi-ethnic classrooms and schools in their community context are presented in this excellent volume with a view to informing practice and policy concerning the education of language minority students and teachers, and anyone with an interest in foreign language education and bilingual education.

Contains references to a wide range of research, policy and program materials relating to native involvement with the criminal justice system in the United States, Canada and Greenland. Also, listing for comparative materials from Australia and Scandinavia. Related areas include health and welfare, drug and alcohol use, jurisdictional issues and education.