Abstract

The Indian Placement Program, operated by the LDS Church from around 1947 to 2000, was influenced by the Church's belief in a connection between Native Americans to a Book of Mormon group known as the Lamanites. This group held a special status within the LDS Church because of their believed Israelite heritage as well as a prophecy promising their conversion in the last days. Spencer W. Kimball, motivated by both personal goals and his authority within the LDS Church, expanded on a successful experience of a young Native girl, Helen John, growing it into the broader Indian Placement Program. This program saw thousands of Native students placed with LDS foster families. Today, the Indian Placement Program is often discussed in oversimplified terms, either highly supportive or critical. In my research, I interviewed actual program participants who provided nuanced insights beyond these simplistic narratives. Three main themes emerged: positive and negative experiences with education, the LDS baptism requirement, and relationships within foster families. Additionally, I found that many young non-Native LDS members are unaware of the Placement Program, while some Native-centered boarding schools continue to operate. These findings suggest that the program's impact was mixed, with both positive and negative elements, and that its implications were neither wholly positive nor wholly negative. This study comes forth at a time of heightened discussions on this topic.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Anthropology

Rights

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