Introduction:
Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American writer, musician, and teacher. She was born on February 22, 1876, on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Zitkala-Ša faced many challenges growing up as a Native American in a time when assimilation was encouraged. She attended the Carlisle Indian School, which played a significant role in her life and education.

Carlisle Indian School:
The Carlisle Indian School, also known as the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, was a federally-funded boarding school for Native American children. It was founded by Captain Richard Henry Pratt in 1879 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The school's aim was to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture by eradicating their Native languages, customs, and traditions.

Zitkala's Enrollment:
Zitkala-Ša was enrolled in the Carlisle Indian School in 1884 at the age of eight. Her mother, Ellen Simmons, made the difficult decision to enroll her daughter in the hopes of providing her with a better education and future. Zitkala-Ša's enrollment at the school marked the beginning of her journey into assimilation and the challenges she would face as a Native American student.

Experiences at Carlisle:
During her time at the Carlisle Indian School, Zitkala-Ša faced numerous struggles and hardships. The school implemented strict rules and regulations, aiming to strip Native American children of their cultural identities. Students were not allowed to speak their native languages, practice their traditional customs, or wear their traditional clothing. Instead, they were forced to adopt Western customs and lifestyles.

Education and Cultural Suppression:
While Zitkala-Ša received a formal education at Carlisle, she also experienced the suppression of her Native American identity. The school focused primarily on vocational training and aimed to prepare students for jobs in agriculture, manual labor, or domestic service. Native American cultural practices and traditions were seen as obstacles to assimilation and were actively discouraged.

Impact on Zitkala's Life:
Zitkala-Ša's time at the Carlisle Indian School had a profound influence on her life and writing. She witnessed firsthand the damaging effects of assimilation policies on Native American children. Through her writings, she sought to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Native Americans and advocate for the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Zitkala-Ša studied at the Carlisle Indian School, which played a significant role in shaping her life and education. The school's focus on assimilation and suppression of Native American culture had a lasting impact on her, leading her to become an influential writer and advocate for Native American rights.