The missionaries were instrumental in the breakup of family units by taking children to boarding schools, forbidding the expression of culture, spirituality, and language, and by teaching both the children and the adults a different religion and lifestyle which undermined the core of their existence. Physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuses were rampant and continued until the 1970's at boarding schools for Indian children. These abuses have been documented. Siblings were not allowed to have any contact with each other. Boys at the boarding schools had their hair cut against their will.
Long hair is a sign of their spirituality and connection with their ancestors.
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