What was Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift? What has happened to Indians’ sense of tolerance? Why has that occurred?

Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift was her tolerance. Junior remembers and reflects on this before he informs the reader of her tragic death. The Indian’s had tolerance for eccentricity in the old days. In fact, it was celebrated. People who were different stood out and the Indians supported their uniqueness and self expression. However, over the years Indian’s tolerance for eccentricity diminished when white people brought over Christianity. They were disapproving and fearful of differences as the religion did not encourage such “funky” behavior. Indians, not wanting another reason for white people to see them as outsiders, followed along with these opinions. Junior remembers how special his grandmother was in the way that she always embraced other’s eccentricity. “She always approached each new person and each new experience the exact same way.” (Alexie 155) His grandmother never let anyone influence her outlook on life and how to approach it which makes her different than the other Indians on the reservation. She has truly made an impact on those around her guessing from the amount of people who came to celebrate her life when she passed away. In a way, Junior’s grandmother was eccentric with her views on eccentric people. She believed what she wanted to, she had her own mindset, and no matter what, people will always be attracted to the ones who can think for themselves. Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift was her tolerance for people’s differences and eccentricity.