ESCANABA — The next meeting of the Bay Sages will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. at Bay College, Room 952 of the Joseph Heirman University Center.

The story of the Native American boarding schools will be presented by Earl Meshigaud, a Potawatomi elder from Hannahville.

Established in the late 19th century and lasting until 1936, Native American children were forced to attend these schools, often a great distance from their homeland. One of the main goals of the schools was to eliminate their native language and culture. Abuse of the children was prevalent, the impact still felt in their tribal society today.

Members and guests are welcome to attend meetings of the Bay Sages, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. There is a fee for membership in the organization, which includes 11 monthly meetings, two of which are luncheon meetings, and monthly newsletters.