The Stewart Indian School in Carson City opened in 1890 with the goal of assimilating Native American children. Many of the early children who attended the school were stripped of their culture and traditions, and forced to speak English only.
Over the years, the school's focus shifted to vocational training and academics, until closing its doors in 1980. Last Wednesday, alumni, tribal leaders, and government officials gathered for a blessing ceremony for the future Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, which will open next year in honor of the school’s first children.