SE Valley Times

The Chandler Museum in Arizona is hosting an exhibition titled "Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories," which will be open to the public from November 12, 2024, through January 5, 2025. This exhibition delves into the history of off-reservation boarding schools where American Indian children were placed as part of a U.S. government initiative that began in the 1870s. The aim was to assimilate these children into "civilized" society by removing them from their families and cultural roots.

"Away from Home" highlights the experiences of these children who were often forcibly taken and forbidden to speak their native languages. Up until the 1930s, students at these schools were trained for domestic work and trade under strict conditions, often going years without seeing their families. The exhibit presents a variety of perspectives on this historical period.

This exhibition has been adapted from a permanent display organized by The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Both versions have received support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, although any opinions or conclusions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.

Visitors are advised that "Away from Home" includes narratives of resilience but also descriptions of hardships and historically racist language. It is recommended for mature audiences, specifically those in eighth grade and above.

The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive and offers free admission. It operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., remaining closed on Mondays.

For more details about this exhibition and other programs, individuals can visit the Chandler Museum's website or contact them at 480-782-2717.

The museum aims to serve as a hub for community engagement, focusing on sharing stories and preserving cultural heritage within Chandler's evolving landscape.

Additionally, Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) plays a role in supporting artists and cultural organizations across various regions through traveling exhibitions like this one. M-AAA emphasizes enriching underserved communities with accessible arts programs and believes in expanding art access to more people.