Dragonfly

A play by Sophia Madrigal

Dragonfly

Dragonfly addresses the ongoing ramifications and culturicide of Indian Boarding Schools. Dragonfly tells the story of two Native foster children who find themselves in a battle to keep their youngest brother in their family's custody. Their journey interweaves ancient Cahuilla stories, dance and song alongside a heartfelt narrative to express their love of the Cahuilla Culture, the Birdsongs, and the importance of Native children staying in Native homes.

Between 1819 and 1969, the U.S. ran or supported 408 boarding schools with the goal to “kill the Indian, save the man.” More than 500 deaths of Native children have been reported. Boarding school meant to break the bond between Native American children and their families, and the effects are lasting.


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