In Robert Lake’s (aka. Medicine Grizzlybear) An Indian Father’s Plea, a father introduces his son, Wind-Wolf to his teacher and expresses concern about how Wind-Wolf’s cultural background and experiences are not understood or appreciated in the Western educational system. The father describes the rich cultural upbringing and teachings that Wind-Wolf has received within his Native American community, emphasizing the importance of spirituality, connection to nature, and traditional practices.

 The father addresses the teacher directly, highlighting the challenges Wind-Wolf faces in adapting to a new cultural system and learning environment. He discusses how Wind-Wolf’s different perspectives, such as the concept of time or the significance of long hair, may clash with the mainstream educational system. The father also raises issues of racism and discrimination that Wind-Wolf has encountered, which have led to his disconnection from his cultural heritage and a sense of not belonging.

The plea emphasizes the need for understanding, cultural sensitivity, and support from the teacher for Wind-Wolf to succeed academically and retain his cultural identity. The father suggests that the school should take advantage of resources available for Indian Education and promote equal education that encompasses Native American history and culture. He concludes by urging the teacher to view Wind-Wolf as a unique individual who has valuable knowledge, heritage, and culture to share with his peers and the educational community.

An Indian Father’s Plea | Summary

 The text “An Indian Father’s Plea” presents a heartfelt appeal from a Native American father to his son’s teacher. The father, speaking on behalf of his son Wind-Wolf, describes the cultural and spiritual upbringing of the child within their Native American community. He emphasizes that Wind-Wolf’s education goes beyond the conventional academic curriculum and includes teachings from his tribal traditions, rituals, and connection with nature.

The father challenges the label of “slow learner” that has been assigned to Wind-Wolf, emphasizing that his son has already undergone a comprehensive education within his Native American community. The child’s early experiences include a traditional native childbirth ceremony, bonding with family members and tribal elders, and being raised in a secure and nurturing environment. Wind-Wolf’s education involves learning from his mother, observing, and participating in various tribal activities, listening to stories, attending sacred ceremonies, and gaining knowledge about different tribes, languages, and healing practices.

The text highlights the unique educational practices of the Native American community, such as Wind-Wolf being placed in a specially designed Indian baby basket, which serves as his first classroom. Although this practice may seem restrictive to Western society, it is believed to develop Wind-Wolf’s intuitive faculties, rational intellect, symbolic thinking, and senses. The father emphasizes the integration of physical and spiritual aspects of learning, where experiences in nature, cultural traditions, and the learning process itself are interconnected.

The father acknowledges the challenges faced by Wind-Wolf in adapting to the Western educational system and its methods. He urges the teacher to be patient and understanding, recognizing that cultural differences may contribute to Wind-Wolf’s initial struggles. The father asserts that his son is not culturally disadvantaged but culturally different. Wind-Wolf’s knowledge and understanding of numbers, for example, reflect the teachings within his Native American culture, where concepts like the number of full moons or tail feathers on an eagle differ from mainstream education.

The text also highlights instances of discrimination and racism experienced by Wind-Wolf, leading to his feelings of alienation and shame. The father recounts a hurtful incident where Wind-Wolf’s friend’s mother refused to let him enter their house due to their racial differences. These experiences further contribute to Wind-Wolf’s reluctance to engage in Native American practices and share his cultural heritage with others.

The father implores the teacher to recognize Wind-Wolf’s unique background and support his development in both cultural contexts. He highlights the need for the education system to recognize and include Native American history and culture, not only for Native American students but for all students to develop a thorough grasp of the larger community in which they live.

An Indian Father’s Plea | Analysis

“An Indian Father’s Plea” presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the cultural and educational experiences of a Native American child, Wind-Wolf, within the context of a Western educational system. It raises important points about the need for cultural inclusivity and understanding in education. One of the text’s strengths is its ability to portray the significance of cultural heritage and the distinctive educational practices of Native American society. It challenges the narrow definition of education and highlights the value of holistic learning that incorporates spiritual, experiential, and communal dimensions. By emphasizing the integration of nature, storytelling, and rituals, the text brings attention to the broader educational landscape that exists beyond traditional academic subjects.

The text also effectively highlights instances of discrimination and racism faced by Wind-Wolf, which contributes to his feeling of alienation and disconnection from his cultural identity. This aspect raises awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and calls for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. However, certain portions of the narrative must be closely examined. While advocating for cultural inclusivity, the text does not fully acknowledge the importance of a balanced education that incorporates both cultural traditions and mainstream academic subjects. While indigenous knowledge and practices have value, it is crucial to recognize the necessity of foundational skills and knowledge that are typically taught in a formal educational setting.

Moreover, the text presents a somewhat idealized portrayal of Native American educational practices without delving into potential limitations or shortcomings. It does not address the diversity within Native American cultures and the variations in educational approaches across different tribes and communities. This lack of nuance may oversimplify the complex reality of Native American education. Additionally, the text primarily focuses on the perspective of the father, presenting a single narrative without exploring alternative viewpoints or engaging in a broader conversation about the challenges and possibilities of integrating diverse cultural perspectives into mainstream education.

In terms of the writing style, while the text is emotionally compelling, it could benefit from providing more concrete examples and evidence to support its claims. Incorporating specific instances of Wind-Wolf’s educational experiences and their impact would strengthen the argument and make it more persuasive.

An Indian Father’s Plea | Themes

The plea explores the struggle of Wind-Wolf, a Native American child, to maintain his cultural identity while navigating a Western educational system. The text advocates for the need to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into mainstream education. The story sheds light on the experiences of discrimination and racism faced by Wind-Wolf within the educational system. 

It challenges the narrow focus on academic subjects and advocates for incorporating elements such as nature, storytelling, and rituals into the learning process. It emphasizes the father’s plea for his son’s cultural education and the significance of parental involvement in supporting and shaping a child’s educational journey. It encourages a broader perspective that encompasses a range of cultural backgrounds. The text critiques the Western educational system’s tendency to prioritize mainstream knowledge and neglect alternative cultural perspectives. It calls for a more inclusive approach that recognizes and values diverse forms of knowledge and educational practices.

An Indian Father’s Plea | Character Sketch

 In “An Indian Father’s Plea,” the narrator is not explicitly identified, and the story is told from a third-person perspective. Based on the information provided in the text, we can infer certain characteristics of the narrator: The narrator deeply cares for his son, Wind-Wolf, as evidenced by his heartfelt plea to the education officials. The narrator is also strongly connected to his Native American heritage. 

The narrator’s plea is driven by a sense of desperation and helplessness in the face of the assimilation pressures faced by Native Americans. He recognizes the challenges and the potential loss of their culture, which leads him to implore the education officials to understand and support their cause. The narrator maintains a spiritual connection to nature and his ancestral roots. He draws upon the symbolism of the Coyote and the wisdom of nature to emphasize the importance of their cultural heritage. This suggests a belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the spiritual significance of their traditions.

The narrator possesses a persuasive voice and an ability to convey his thoughts and emotions effectively. His words are impassioned and reflect his deep understanding of their cultural significance. This indicates an articulate nature and a strong sense of conviction.

An Indian Father’s Plea | Context

 The story is set in a society that comprises diverse cultural groups, with the focus being on the Native American community. The social context emphasizes the presence of multiple cultural identities and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in maintaining their cultural heritage. The story highlights the social context of the educational system, which is predominantly influenced by Western perspectives and practices. This context shapes the experiences and struggles of Wind-Wolf and his father as they navigate a system that may not adequately cater to their cultural needs.

The story alludes to the political context surrounding educational policies and legislation. It implies that existing policies might not sufficiently address the cultural needs of minority communities, which raises questions about the inclusivity and effectiveness of government initiatives. The political context is evident in the power dynamics between the dominant culture and marginalized communities. The story sheds light on how power structures within society can contribute to discrimination, marginalization, and the struggle for cultural preservation.

The cultural context highlights the pressures faced by marginalized communities to assimilate into the dominant culture. It portrays the tension between preserving cultural identity and conforming to societal expectations.

The historical context encompasses the history of colonization, displacement, and oppression faced by Native American communities. This context informs the challenges and discrimination experienced by Wind-Wolf and his father, as they navigate a society shaped by historical injustices. The context also reflects the resilience and determination of Native American communities to preserve their cultural heritage despite historical adversity. 

An Indian Father’s Plea | Literary Devices

The text employs metaphors to create vivid imagery and make abstract concepts more relatable. For example, the phrase “a white man’s pot of gold” is used metaphorically to symbolize the Western education system and its perceived value.

Similes are used to make comparisons and enhance descriptions. For instance, Wind-Wolf’s father is described as having “a heart as wide as a prairie,” emphasizing his compassion and generosity.

The text utilizes imagery to appeal to the reader’s senses and create vivid mental images. For example, the description of the father’s tears as “rivers of sadness” evokes a powerful visual image.

Symbolism is employed to represent larger ideas or concepts. The father’s name, “Wind-Wolf,” symbolizes his connection to nature and his Native American heritage. It represents his spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.

Repetition is used for emphasis and to create a rhythmic effect. The repetition of phrases like “I beg of you” and “help me preserve” underscores the father’s desperate plea and reinforces the central theme of cultural preservation.

The text makes allusions to historical and cultural elements to add depth and meaning to the story. The mention of Coyote, a significant figure in Native American folklore, refers to the rich oral tradition and spirituality of the Native American culture.

The dialogue between Wind-Wolf and his father serves as a literary device to develop character relationships and convey emotions. It allows the reader to understand the father’s plea directly and creates a more intimate connection with the narrative.

Personification is used to attribute human qualities to non-human entities. In the text, nature is personified as a “wise old grandfather,” emphasizing the deep reverence and spiritual connection Native Americans have with the natural world.