Stewart Indian School outside of Carson City holds an odd place in our cultural history.
Established in December of 1890, the school was the place where children from more than 200 Native American tribes in Nevada and surrounding states were taken in order to be educated.
But make no mistake: “educated” meant “assimilated.” And for many kids, especially in the beginning, going to Stewart meant being taken forcefully from their families, their culture and their traditions.
And yet, Stewart School has a special place in the hearts of many former students. They want to preserve the buildings, the history of the school, and tell the story of the cultures of the many people who were sent there.
Stewart Indian School/Credit: Nevada State Museum
Sherry Rupert, executive director, Nevada Indian Commission
