Question

Read the following excerpt from “Homecoming.”

“I am not against my children receiving an education,” Father had said. “But, I am against them receiving an education that costs them their heritage. That cost is too high.”

When Atsidi had asked Grandmother if she thought Nantai would recognize his family after being in the White man’s world for so long, Grandmother had reassured him of Nantai’s connectedness to Diné Bikéyah.

What historical reality is represented in this excerpt?

the struggle of the Navajo to retain their culture and traditions
the rejection of modern education by the Navajo
the removal of Navajo children from their homes
the conflict between the Navajo and the American governments

Answer 1

the removal of Navajo children from their homes

The passage refers to Native children being sent into the "White man's world" (boarding/assimilation schools) where education often meant loss of language and culture — a historical reality of forced removal and cultural assimilation.