Focus Question: Should Cal leave Challagi Indian Industrial School to find Pop?

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Did you know that in the early 20th century, countless Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in boarding schools? These institutions aimed to assimilate them into Western culture, often erasing their heritage and identities. This historical backdrop sets the stage for Cal’s emotional and life-altering decision at Challagi Indian Industrial School when it comes to choosing between staying within a system that seeks to strip away his culture or embarking on a journey to reunite with his missing sibling, Pop.

In striking contrast to the rigid environment of Challagi, Cal’s quest to find Pop symbolizes a deep-rooted yearning for connection, identity, and family. It’s essential to recognize how these themes of loyalty and belonging resonate not just in the context of Cal’s world but also across generations of families torn apart by societal forces. By understanding the emotional weight of these decisions, readers can appreciate the stakes involved in Cal’s journey and root for his quest for truth and reunion.