Personal Reflection on Native American Identity and Future

This page presents a heartfelt letter from a Native American individual expressing their feelings about their upbringing on a reservation and their decision to leave. The author begins by expressing gratitude for the environment in which they grew up and the positive experiences they've had.

Highlight: The reservation is described as a "big community that tries to inculcate a lot of values and all the past lived by our ancestors."

The author then contrasts their appreciation with a feeling of being confined within the reservation. They discuss encountering stereotypes about Native Americans when meeting people outside the reservation, such as assumptions about living in nature or being isolated from others.

Example: Common stereotypes about Native Americans include living in nature and being isolated from modern society.

The experience of leaving for education is highlighted as a turning point, leading to the realization that the author desires more freedom and less stigmatization. They emphasize not forgetting the values learned but understanding what truly makes them happy.

Quote: "I want to be free and not be stigmatized in some way. I don't forget all the values I learned, but I'm starting to understand what makes me happy."

The letter concludes with the author's decision to leave the reservation to follow their own path and create a place where they feel at ease. They express hope for understanding from their community and reiterate their gratitude.

Vocabulary: Stigmatized - subjected to disapproval or discrimination based on particular characteristics or circumstances.