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California Indian Association : Original Leaflet - "Facts You Want to Know About California Indians. 1908."

California Indian Association?, 1908

Original leaflet printed in black ink on beige paper. 4" x 7." Two pages (printed front and back on one leaf), complete. Leaflet is very clean and intact except for a few small chips at the corners and edges and possible ex-library markings in top margin. A Near Fine copy. A promotional leaflet acting as outreach to help Indigenous Peoples. On one side, the leaflet begins with a sobering statistic, "193,000 Indians died between 1834 and 1908. This decrease was due to white aggression and crime; and can be stopped by humane measures ...." While there is an overarching sentiment of social advocacy and goodwill in this leaflet, some of the measures stated on the leaflet are controversial as they involve the mission system, boarding schools, cultural assimilation, and the use of Field Matrons. Field Matrons were employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) from 1890-1938 as part of a government program to assimilate Indigenous women into a western, Victorian lifestyle and to "civilize" Indigenous Peoples on reservations. Among the measures listed on this leaflet are missionary work, purchasing homes for those in need, stopping liquor traffic, education for children, "hygienic instruction by Field Matrons," provision of medical supplies, and increased public awareness. Following the list of measures is a "Wanted" section which asks for men and women to work on missions and to act as Field Matrons, monetary donations, "cooking and sewing supplies for Indigenous women and girls," and supplies for Field Matrons. A message at the bottom on front encourages readers to join the California Indian Association. The other side lists statistics about Indigenous Peoples including population, education, and number of government schools. A list of Government Field Matrons and Missions are also listed on the other side of the leaflet. The Field Matron program was eventually phased out in 1938 following the increased need for medical professionals amid the widespread health problems on Indigenous reservations. Field Matrons were subsequently replaced by field nurses.. Ephemera. Book Condition: Near Fine. Binding: No Binding

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