George A. Boyce worked with Native Americans throughout the United States for thirty years. In the Navajo country he was known as Tall Dog Man and "Otta Natani" (Leader of the schools). In the Blackfoot language his name was translated as Father of Many Children. In his education work and in his writing, he wanted to bring people, particularly young people, together despite their diverse cultural backgrounds. He once wrote, "Cultural differences are good. To form a democratic, multi-cultural nation calls for nurturing rather than destroying cultural differences." The stories in this book reflect the author's feelings and understanding of the world of the Native American. Each story is preceded by a brief history that will acquaint readers with the Native American tribal affiliation of the main character and present the many cultural differences that so enrich their experiences. * * * * George A. Boyce was the superintendent of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico prior to his retirement. Previously he had been director of Navajo Schools and superintendent of the Intermountain Indian School. In addition to his educational work, Dr. Boyce was also involved in the long-range social-economic planning for the Navajo. For this work he received the Distinguished Service Gold Medal from the U.S. Department of the Interior and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Navajo. He is also the author of "When the Navajos Had Too Many Sheep."
