i heard the owl call my name

My personal opinion on why Craven wrote this book is that she wanted to see how much native culture can change and still remain nurturing and strong. Craven deals with the issue of native identity in a thoughtful manner, presenting opposites: those who wish for complete cultural resolution, and those who are stuck in a calcified tradition continued by myth which can, at times, override. Native myths, customs, and character are described with a consistency …

…and heritage while living in residential schools among whites He has less than 3 years to live, yet he still trys to learn and side with the Indians. He's almost like a false enemy, trying to save them from the true enemy. I think Craven wrote this book to show that even with white men trying to suppress Indians, the Indians can till live on. It's a quiet, graceful testimonial to a vanishing way of life.