New Book Covers Haskell Institute

The institution—now known as Haskell Indian Nations University—opened in Lawrence, Kan., in 1884. That year, 22 Ponca and Ottawa children were sent to the school to learn Anglo-Protestant cultural values.

Using letters, diaries, and first-hand sources, Vuckovic uncovers the children’s real attitudes about the boarding school experience and the struggle to maintain their identity amid cultural assimilation efforts.

The book focuses on curriculum, health, gender differences, and extracurricular activities.

Vuckovic said that her interest in Haskell began during graduate school.

“I had heard of Haskell in graduate school, and one day I drove by the university,” Vuckovic said. “It’s still there and now an inter-tribal university.”

“At the time, I wanted to read a book on it,” she said. “But I found that there were no scholarly books about Haskell. With the guidance of my doctoral advisors, I set out to write the first cultural and social history.”

Vuckovic said this part of Native American history is generally neglected. That prompted her to write the book.

“People in the United States don’t know this part of their own history—the boarding school experience for Native Americans,” she said.

Scholars lauded the book for its contribution to the field.

“In this deeply researched and thoughtful account—one that makes the fullest possible use of Indian voices—the complexity of the Indian boarding school story emerges full blown,” said David Adams, author of Education for Extinction: American Indians and the Boarding School Experience.

“[The book] provides important glimpses into life at the school and offers a nuanced and informed assessment of the school’s history and legacy,” said Clyde Ellis, author of To Change Them Forever: Indian Education at the Rainy Mountain Boarding School, 1893–1920. “Vuckovic has a sharp eye for the best material and she tells a good story.”

Going forward, Vuckovic said her study of the history of health at Haskell might inform future work on public health efforts in today’s Native American community.

“From a public health perspective, Native Americans are an underserved population,” said Vuckovic. “There is a big chapter on health in this book. I would like to do more work on current indigenous health.”

“There is a huge gap in health services, and Native Americans are disproportionately suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions,” she said.