555 Fortune Drive

Orange, California 92869

October 21, 2014

Robert Lake
1124 Random Road
El Muerto, CA, 92869

Dear Mr. Lake:

Thank you for introducing your son to me. I learned a lot about your son by reading your letter,
and I have realized how unique he is. Although your son may be intelligent in his own way, he is
still a behind his classmates when learning in the classroom. This issue must be resolved
immediately for him to succeed.

The western education system works well because it prepares children like Wind-Wolf for
success in modern society. If you son wants to spend his life on a reservation, then his progress
in school hardly matters. However, I am required by law to give him the same education that his
peers are receiving. If Wind-Wolf gets a job at a corporation while still under the impression that
there are thirteen months in a year then I will have failed him. There are certain standards that
Wind-Wolf must meet. If he doesnt then the government and society will label him as a failure.
If he cannot learn the fundamental skills that all children must acquire, then it seems that his only
option will be living on a reservation!

However, it is clear that your son has the capacity to learn at the same pace at his peers. The fact
that Wind-Wolf can count more than 40 different kinds of birds shows that he is extremely
knowledgeable in the topics he is interested in. His culture is the reason he cant learn like his
peers. A child should be able to learn that there are not thirteen, but twelve months in a year
very quickly. Wind-Wolf is so enclosed in his baby basket that it is hard for me to make an
impression on him. I understand that it must be hard for a child to have to relearn everything that
they thought they knew. However, for these reasons, I believe that, for his own good, you should
also expose him to Western culture more. Even you stated that I would like him to develop the
necessary capabilities to adapt to, and succeed in, both cultures. He has the capabilities. The
only problem is that you insist on exposing him to the same Native American culture that he has
been with his entire life. You stated that He asks why the other kids in school are not taught
about the power, beauty, and essence of nature. This shows that his culture has given him a

warped view on what is important. In western society, learning about math and science is more
practical than participating in powwows and sweat-lodge rituals.

This is why it is important for Wind-Wolf to find a balance between the two cultures. Sadly,
racism is ingrained in American civilization, and there is nothing I can do to change that.
However, I do agree that he must come to accept and appreciate his Native American roots. I
will make a greater effort to sensitize his peers to his culture. However, some of his peers may
be stuck with their beliefs no matter how much history I read them. I believe that is most
important for Wind-Wolf to accept himself and ignore what others think about him.

Wind-Wolf is an incredibly bright child who has the potential to be smarter than all of his
classmates. However, it is imperative that you and I make a larger effort to expose him to the
western culture that will prepare him for success. It is also important to teach him that his Native
American culture is something to be extremely proud of. Your son, Wind-Wolf, can be a
success in life, but it requires our efforts. I am extremely willing to educate him and I
understand that you are very concerned about your childs future. We can get him on track, but
it will require both of us to help Wind-Wolf find a middle ground that allows him to both belong
in western society and participate in his Native American activities without being embarrassed.

Sincerely,

Galileo Humpkins