SCSU History professor presents new perspectives on American Indian tribal school in first published book

St. Cloud State University History professor Robert Galler recently published his first book, chronicling the transformation of an American Indian on-reservation religious school that evolved into a tribally run institution in the 1970s.

"Taking Charge, Making Change: Native People and the Transition of Education from Stephan Mission to Crow Creek Tribal School" was published by the University of Nebraska Press, a prominent press in American Indian History. While Galler has previously published academic articles in Western Historical Quarterly, South Dakota History and other academic journals, this is his first published book.

The book gives voice to generations of Native people at the Crow Creek reservation and on reservations across North Dakota and South Dakota, who helped shape a school originally designed to foster Catholicism and assimilation. The Catholic Stephan Mission boarding school would eventually become the Crow Creek Tribal School, which now features both tribal traditions and American educational programs.

Galler, who has his Ph.D. in American Indian History, believed the people at Crow Creek had an important story to share. He interviewed parents, graduates, teachers and staff at Crow Creek and the surrounding community.

"I'm interested in intercultural relations and how groups and individuals interact, misunderstand, collaborate and build things together," Galler said. "Statements and voices of Native people from the community help to break apart simplistic portrayals of unilateral federal actions, and it reveals agency of tribal members in the creation of their school."

The book also shows how individuals and families helped to found the school, maintain enrollment, secure funding and influence school policies. While recognizing the many challenges and tragedies that Native students endured, Galler highlights the creativity, collaborations, and contributions of the students and graduates to their communities.

SCSU's Multicultural Resource Center is planning to host a book talk in January on campus about Galler's book. It is now available to purchase.