The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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Vast majority of Indian reservations are suffering from chronic poverty. According to American Indian Relief Council, the reservations have been cited as, “Comparable to Third World”, in terms of living conditions. In the novel written by Sherman Alexie, entitled, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”, the main character, a fourteen year old, Native American teenager, which belongs to the Spokane tribe named Junior; stated that, “Poverty does not give you strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be poor.” This indicates that poverty can turn an individual to become a pessimist. On the contrary, poverty is not a destiny. Instead, it is a source of power, an encouragement that through hard work, patience and dedication, a person can succeed in every aspect of life.

Long before the European settlers exist in American continent that began in 1492; one of the Native Americans that are living with a serenity are the Spokane tribe. The Spokane people nestled near the Spokane River and living by fishing, hunting and gathering roots and berries. The Spokane people were relying on the river for spiritual and medicinal purposes, to get nourishment, and it is also a gathering place of the Tribal ancestors. During the colonization period, Spokane tribe was forced off their original inhabitant. The natural resources that they depended on were exploited, in which resulted in many sufferings and tragic deaths. In year 1881, the Spokane people were relocated, and President Hayes gave the tribe a new, smaller home located in Washington and it is called “The Spokane Indian Reservation.” Federal government did not give them enough privatization, however; they were offered a monetary compens...

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...ember of a community can help by focusing on changing problematic behaviors and attitudes.

Without a doubt, proper education is the most essential factor to tackle poverty. Tribal government should put more attention to it; building schools, funds for books and proper training of teachers would be a good start. Everyone has the right to education most importantly, the children; an educated child will pass their education to their future. Education can transform lives, and it can also break the cycle of poverty because it is the most important element for progression of a nation.

However, these would not be possible if a person does not have a positive outlook in life. On the contrary to Junior’s statement, poverty does teach you lessons about perseverance. It happens to inspire, give hope and encourage an individual to work hard to get the true success in life.

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