Native American learning secrets that schools never teach

One of the first leaders to sign the Treaty of 1868 was Manito. He sent his two sons to study in a remote classroom in the East, but both died tragically. Children returning from public or religious schools were often met with cruel treatment, which was a nightmare compared to the way they were cared for at home.

In our traditional teachings, we are encouraged to learn and understand not only how things are done, but why they need to be done that way. Our knowledge is said to come directly from holy people who have laid out a path for us to follow. We learn through all of our senses - sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch - to gain a deeper understanding of our emotions and reactions to the world around us.

It is also important to have a relationship with the gods and live up to their expectations. We are taught to follow the “corn pollen path” and the “beauty path,” which embody joy, happiness, confidence, and peace. This journey requires learning; it does not happen overnight. Each individual learns differently, reflecting our unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences.

Our understanding of spirituality varies from person to person, and we may not grasp the sacredness in everything we are meant to cherish. Learning involves making a choice to pursue the good or succumb to the bad. When our ancestors signed a treaty with the United States in 1868, a key aspect was education in a formal classroom setting.

The treaty stipulated that the government would provide one teacher for every thirty students willing to participate in this new form of learning. However, the details are unclear and children were taken away from home, often for years. Manito’s experience is emblematic of this struggle; he followed the terms of the treaty but witnessed the tragic loss of his sons.

Many children who attended these schools faced harsh treatment, creating traumatic experiences that were completely different from the typical upbringing in our culture. For example, my late father attended Fort Apache, where he was expected to stay for four to eight years. He eventually escaped and joined the army during World War II.

My grandmother also pursued an education, becoming proficient in reading, writing, and math. During my generation, schools like Fort Wingate and Phoenix Indian School were common, where students spent most of the year away from their families, returning home only in the summer. Educational methods have evolved over the years; However, some methods have not changed since the earlier times.

The key to learning involves understanding how to build your life on the guidance of holy people. Everything begins at the edge of the fire pit, which represents the core of our lives. As children of holy people, it is important to absorb good teachings instead of negative influences.

Hatred is learned and often propagated through systems such as government schools. Today, we still face similar situations where negative beliefs can arise—hatred of one’s country, family, or even spiritual ways of life. It is essential to reject hatred of holy people and embrace diverse beliefs. My friends who lead Sunday schools teach valuable lessons about love and treating sacred things with respect.

Encouraging others in their faith promotes understanding and unity. Our traditional teachings emphasize prayer in every presentation, asking holy people for guidance in right speech and action. We strive to share love and respect for all things sacred in our pursuit of beauty.