What was the purpose in writing And this shall free thee from present shame?

The poem "And This Shall Free Thee From Present Shame" was written by Helen Hunt Jackson as a call to action for the protection and preservation of Native American culture and heritage in the United States. The "present shame" referred to in the title alludes to the unfair treatment, discrimination, and assimilation policies faced by Native Americans during the late 19th century. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address injustices against Native communities and to recognize and respect their inherent rights, traditions, and ways of life.