Which character's sentiments highlight the struggle of balancing tradition and modern education?

Ned embodies the struggle of balancing tradition and modern education through his experiences and sentiments throughout the narrative. He represents a generation caught between the expectations of traditional Native American culture and the pressures of modern educational systems. His feelings reflect the internal conflict many individuals face when trying to honor their heritage while adapting to contemporary societal norms.

Ned's character illustrates the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in an educational environment that often prioritizes Western ideologies. He grapples with the impact of formal schooling on his understanding of his own identity, contrasting the teachings and values of his family and community with what he encounters at school. This tension becomes a central theme as he navigates the complexities of his dual existence, highlighting the broader struggle faced by many Indigenous individuals during that time.

In contrast, Kii Yazhi's Uncle may also share sentiments related to tradition but does not encapsulate the educational struggle as directly as Ned does. Rehobooth Mission School serves as a setting rather than a character expressing personal feelings, and Principal O'Sullivan, while significant in his role in the education system, does not personally convey the struggle from a cultural perspective. Thus, Ned's perspective is the most poignant illustration of the conflict between tradition and modern education.