BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – If you’re looking for something new to read for Native American Heritage Month, maybe try former BSC President Larry Skogen’s book, “To Educate American Indians.”

He hosted a book conference Tuesday to help publicize the atrocities, school mismanagement and terrible conditions at Indian boarding schools and reservation schools documented across the country.

He said the stories are told in the diaries of people who worked in the schools.

“I think there are a lot of misunderstandings about Native Americans in general. In the United States, it’s nice to have a month to recognize Native American history. So I think it’s important for people to understand this history,” Skogen said.

There will be two volumes, consisting of articles from the National Educational Association’s Department of Indian Education in the 1900s, told from the teachers’ point of view.

Skogen said it is important for all U.S. citizens to understand the relationship between the federal government and sovereign Native American nations.

“It’s part of our culture, it’s the fact that we have Native American nations here, we have Native American citizens. They are an important part of our daily lives, but certainly our history,” Skogen said.

He said it’s important for North Dakotans to recognize the contributions of Native Americans to society.

He said that with his presentation on the book, he hoped to show a new perspective to citizens.

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