The Most Horrific Scene in “1923” Was Based on a True Story: The Dark History Behind the Show

The premiere episode of “1923,” the Yellowstone prequel, shocked viewers with its harrowing depiction of life inside a Catholic boarding school for Native American children in Montana.

One of the most disturbing scenes centers on Tiana, a young Native American girl who forgets a step in a lesson on making soap. Sister Mary O’Connor, her teacher, responds with brutal violence, repeatedly striking Tiana’s hand with a wooden ruler as the rest of the class watches in horror.

When Tiana finally retaliates, knocking Sister Mary to the ground, both are severely punished by Father Renaud, the school’s head.

Though the series is fictional, these scenes are grounded in the grim realities of American history. The abuse and trauma suffered by Tiana and her classmates are based on documented events in institutions known as American Indian boarding schools.

Established by Western settlers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, these schools were created with the explicit goal of assimilating Native American children into white society.

The methods employed were often cruel and dehumanizing: children were stripped of their language, culture, and even their names, forced to adopt Christianity, and punished for any attempt to maintain their heritage.

Montana’s own Fort Shaw Indian School was just one of about 200 such institutions that operated across roughly 30 states, with many more located in places like Oklahoma, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

These schools became infamous for their harsh discipline, neglect, and widespread abuse—physical, emotional, and sometimes s3xual.

The trauma inflicted on generations of Native American children left deep scars that continue to affect their communities to this day.

The storyline of Tiana in “1923” is a powerful and necessary reminder of this dark chapter in American history. Actress Aminah Nieves, who portrays Tiana, has spoken about the importance of telling these stories, no matter how difficult they are to watch.

For many viewers, the show’s depiction of the boarding school system is their first exposure to the reality of what Native American children endured for decades.

While “1923” itself is a work of fiction, its backdrop is firmly rooted in historical fact. The series explores the struggles of the Dutton family as they manage the Yellowstone Ranch during some of Montana’s most challenging years, including the Great Depression and Prohibition.

But it also shines a light on the broader cultural and societal issues of the era, particularly the federal government’s campaign to eradicate Indigenous cultures through forced assimilation.

As “1923” continues, the series promises to delve even deeper into the complexities and tragedies of America’s past. The show’s willingness to confront these difficult truths is a testament to the resilience of the people who survived them—and a reminder that these stories must be told, no matter how painful.

By weaving real history into its narrative, “1923” ensures that the suffering and strength of Native American communities will not be forgotten.