Conversation so far:
What was Sherman Alexie's childhood like?
Sherman Alexie described the reservation school as challenging because he was teased by other kids and endured abuse he described as torture from white nuns who taught there.
Did brain surgery have an effect on Sherman Alexie's life?
Sherman Alexie's surgery was successful; he suffered no mental damage but had other side effects.
What school did Sherman Alexie go to?
Sherman Alexie excelled at his studies and became a star player on the basketball team, the Reardan High School Indians.
Anything else interesting about Sherman Alexie's childhood?
Sherman Alexie's father often left the house for days to binge drink. To support her six children, Alexie's mother sewed quilts, worked as a clerk, and had some other jobs.
How did hydrocephalus affect Sherman Alexie's life?
Sherman Alexie had to have brain surgery when he was six months old, and was at high risk of death or mental disabilities if he survived.

Question: Was he an active member of the Indian comunity?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Sherman Alexie an active member of the Indian comunity?