Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Chapter 2 Letter



Dear Holly,

My name is Thomas McKenney. I have very strong beliefs about education and how using it will civilize Native Americans. I have been the head of the Office of Indian Affairs for a few years now, and I believe that it is time to teach the Native Americans all about our culture so that they will no longer need to use their current ways of life. Over ten years ago, my ideas were approved by Congress in the Civilization Act of 1819 so that Native Americans could attend tribal school systems taught by white Europeans. By having Indian children in schools, they can be civilized in one generation. This will make for a quick and easy progress, and soon they will be brought closer to our white European level. We will also take the Native American land to civilize it since they will no longer need to use it. I think that the Native Americans will be excited and motivated to learn and use our culture since it is much more advanced than their own. The picture on the left is a picture of a Native American woman in one of the tribes with her child. By educating him and others, the country will be a better place. The tribal schools will be all over the country, and I know that this is the best way to control our society.

Sincerely,
Thomas L. McKenney

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