The Pelham Report

The Pelham Report, published in 1951, was an influential study examining the effects of Native American boarding schools. It highlighted how these schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream American culture, often through strict discipline, cultural suppression, and sometimes harsh treatment. The report acknowledged both the intended educational benefits and the cultural harm caused by such policies. It played a significant role in raising awareness about the need to balance education with respect for Indigenous identities and cultures, prompting shifts towards more culturally sensitive approaches in later years.