Ep 15. Injun Kid

In the episode "Injun Kid" from season 3 of Little House on the Prairie, the Ingalls family becomes acquainted with a young boy named Peter who is part Native American. Peter has been living on his own in the woods since his parents died, and he draws the attention of Laura and her sister Mary when he saves Mary from a fall into a river. The Ingalls family invites Peter to eat dinner with them, and after hearing his story, they decide to take him in as a temporary member of their family.

However, not everyone in Walnut Grove is welcoming to Peter. Reverend Alden, who is normally a kind and compassionate man, tells Peter that he is not welcome in the church. When Charles confronts him about this, Reverend Alden explains that he was only trying to keep the peace with the townspeople, who are still harboring prejudices about Native Americans. Charles is disappointed but understanding, and sets out to teach Peter about Christianity on his own.

Meanwhile, Peter faces other challenges as well. A group of boys in town taunt him and call him names, and even the teacher is hesitant to allow him to attend school. Peter, however, is determined to receive an education and learn about the world beyond the woods where he grew up. He works hard in school and earns the respect of his peers, but the prejudice and fear of the townspeople continue to weigh on him.

As time goes on, the Ingalls family grows more attached to Peter and sees him as one of their own. However, they know that eventually he will need to find a permanent home. One day, when Charles and Peter are out hunting together, they come across a Native American village that has been decimated by disease. Peter is devastated to see his people suffering, and Charles feels helpless to provide any meaningful assistance. It is in this moment that they both realize that Peter belongs with his own people, and that it is time for him to leave the Ingalls family.

"Injun Kid" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode that tackles the issue of prejudice and discrimination in a way that is both accessible and powerful. It also explores the themes of family, belonging, and identity, through the character of Peter, who is torn between two different cultures and struggling to find his place in the world. The episode is one of the many standout moments from Little House on the Prairie and continues to resonate with viewers today.