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Meeko returns to the orphanage to find out that nothing has changed. It does not take him long to discover that classes were too limiting. He is in a constant struggle between the white education, and the ancestral teachings of his people. However, he knows that he would need to play the white man's game if he wishes to fulfill his dreams. After several weeks of pondering and planning, he approaches the other Sioux students and persuades them to establish an underground study movement so they can focus on their heritage. Meeko also begins jogging every day as an outlet for his frustrations. It is during these runs that he starts following the crop-dusting planes as they prepare for their flights at the edge of the orphanage. He becomes acquainted with Jake, the pilot of a plane called 7-2-Charlie. Meeko is intoxicated with the process of these planes as the chemicals float down in a showered mist. Meeko watches the spiral of the invisible vortex move the leaves on the trees that speaks to him of Eagle power. He knows the pilot was not only riding with horsepower but also the spirit of the flying ones. The sky people were guiding man and machine in a choreographed waltz of simplistic beauty. Meeko wants to explore how they become one in spirit. He knows that Jake is different for a white man, because he honors the winds, and stays connected to Father Sky. Jake invites Meeko to become part of the team as a flag boy. Meeko fights his opinions of white people in order for him to make a decision to take the job. He hears Granbear's voice reminding him that it is Creator's power that brought this man into his life. Meeko takes the job. For the next two months, Father Hanby allows Meeko to spend his summer vacation working with the crop-dusters, and it is during this time that Jake, Meeko and Seven Two Charlie become inseparable. Meeko runs away with the crew when they complete their assignment. Jake is angry when he finds Meeko stowed in the back of the plane, especially since there is a law against taking a runaway kids across state lines. Meeko promises to complete his schooling if Jake allows him to stay. After showing Jake his natural skill for flying, Jake agrees that Meeko can stay. Meeko flies daily, eventually completing his training requirement. Afterwards he flies solo, knowing that he handled the plane as smooth as silk. From that day forward Meeko begins accumulating the cross-country hours he needs to get his private license. Finally the day comes for his flight test and he is thrilled when he completes the test successfully. Around this time a war in Vietnam begins to be talked about, and Meeko prepares himself for the draft by going back to the reservation to gather power and find his answers before enlisting in the Marines. |
© 2000 The Red Pathway Learning Center & Foundation, Inc.
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Wind Wolf Woman |