Haskell Indian Nations University

Haskell Indian Nations University. . , This project is dedicated to those who were here first., Haskell Indian Nations University campus is a unique and special place. Please, respect these grounds and buildings as you walk around campus., From 1884-1890, the school’s official name was the U.S. Indian Industrial Training School. The early government boarding schools involved removing children from their families and placing them in schools to give them training in domestic and farming skills. In 1884, the Indian [I]ndustrial Training School officially opened its doors with three buildings and a few Native students. Enrollment increased to 400 students by the end of the first school year., In the beginning, the school was run under a semi-military system; the students’ traditional clothing and personal items were taken, their hair was cut and they had to march to class and to church. The students were taught to speak English. They were not allowed to speak their tribal language, to talk to siblings or to practice their tribal customs and traditions. Classes were taught at an elementary level. Boys were, also, taught skills in tailoring (they had to make their own uniforms), farming, wagon making, blacksmithing, harness making and shoe making. Girls were taught general homemaking skills, such as cooking and sewing. Most of the food was produced on the Haskell farm and students were expected to participate in the growing, harvesting and preserving of the farm food.