Tasman Graham Ms. Wong NBE3U May 15th 2023 The Crucial Role of Family and Familial Relationships in Shaping Identity In the novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” Waubgeshig Rice depicts family and familial relationships as essential components in the formation of the Anishinaabe people’s identity during a time of crisis. It highlights the significance of intergenerational knowledge, cultural and traditions, and community and support in shaping individual and collective Identities. While reading, an unexpected and severe storm isolates an indigenous village in Northern Ontario cutting off their access to the outside world. The characters in the novel are greatly biased to what their family and tradition support. Intergenerational knowledge is …show more content…
Cultural traditions establish a direct relationship to one's ancestors and ancestry. It provides a sense of belonging and helps people to connect with their cultural identities. The characters' commitment to Anishinaabe traditions and practices helps them keep a connection to their Indigenous origin and shapes their individual and communal identities in the novel. Cultural traditions are usually practiced within the framework of a community. They draw people together, cultivating a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and mutual support. Participating in traditions within the family and community builds ties and alliances based on a shared heritage and identity. Cultural traditions also give people a rich tapestry of experiences, tales, and symbols that help them develop their identities. Individuals in the story get a better awareness of their history, beliefs, and cultural practices through participating in these traditions. This information, in turn, impacts their self-perception, perspective, and interpersonal interactions. An example where this is shown in the novel is when Dan said “Well done my boy! Now do it in your own Native language” (Pg 171) This is when Dan is talking to his young ones and they are counting numbers. They originally count it in English but Dan wants them to carry on the Native language and count as the tradition …show more content…
The story is set in an isolated Indigenous village in northern Ontario, Canada, and it explores how the community of individuals deals with a sudden social breakdown as well as the obstacles they encounter in protecting their society. As the community deals with the consequences of societal breakdown, they recognize the value of interdependence and mutual assistance. The community gathers together to share resources, talents, and labour, forging a cooperative and solidaristic collective identity. They overcome difficulties and maintain their way of life by working together. Individual and community identities can be reinforced and redefined as a result of the community's response to the crisis. Individuals gain a deeper sense of who they are as individuals and how they fit into the greater community framework as a result of shared experiences, struggles, and accomplishments. An example in the novel where community and support in familial relationships help build identity is when it said “The comfort and familiarity of his community and the pull of the land made him a proud rez life”. (Pg 20) This quote shows that"Comfort and familiarity" imply that Evan finds refuge and security inside their group. This suggests that the community gives them a sense of belonging and emotional support, which helps them create their own identity. Another quote that shows how the community can
The novel addresses the issue of systemic oppression and racism towards Indigenous people in Canada by showing the effects these issues have on Indigenous people today. The Outside Circle best demonstrates the effects of systemic oppression and racism towards Indigenous people through the life of Pete’s mother Bernice. Bernice's childhood, her struggle with addiction and the circumstances of her death prove this. Firstly, what Bernice went through as a child is an extremely important example that supports the fact that The Outside Circle best demonstrates the effects of systemic oppression and racism towards Indigenous people through Bernice.
The relationships between characters and their parental figures Can have an impact on their interaction with their culture and society. characters who have a positive relationship with their parental figures may have a better understanding of their cultural traditions and the values that they want to live their life. while those who have a strained relationship may feel disconnected from their culture and may or may not agree with the values that they are being taught about life. The influence of these relationships can be shown in a character's Behavior and decision making, affecting their interactions with society. Understanding the role of apprental figure in shaping a character's relationship with their culture and Society can provide insight into the motivations of the actions that a
The changing world they face threatens not only their way of life but also their very existence, as they must find new ways to adapt and survive in a landscape that is rapidly changing. The community's connection to the land is demonstrated through their use of traditional hunting and gathering techniques, as well as their reliance on the teachings of their Elders and the wisdom of their ancestors. Through their shared exploration of the importance of the natural world in Indigenous culture, both works highlight how Indigenous communities have historically been connected to and dependent on the land. They also reveal the devastating impact that colonization and environmental degradation have had on Indigenous communities and the broader ecosystem. In this way, both "Moon of the Crusted Snow" and "One Native Life" demonstrate the urgent need for Indigenous-led efforts to protect and steward the natural world for the sake of Indigenous peoples and the wider
Within the community, they find strength, shaping their identities,
In Lee Maracles’s interview with Context: Beyond the Headlines, Maracle explains the healing properties of literature and how expression through poetry has helped her advocate for Indigenous people. The medicinal properties of literature are a sacred belief of the Stó:lō peoples. The power of poetry helps relieve the chronic wounding created by the colonizers. Maracle begins by addressing how the movement of colonialism caused irreversible intergenerational trauma among the Indigenous communities. She shames the Canadian government because none of the real people who evoked the damage had ever faced confrontation.
Throughout reading many books, one can see many themes. An overarching theme in many books is how someone can grow while learning through their community. Their act of growth can be something good in the eyes of the community, or it can be rebelling. Many characters develop differently based on how they interact with people around them and everyone as a whole. Sometimes the way communities treat people in them indicates how much it can affect a person.
Motunrayo Animashaun Ms. Velovic NBE3U1g 8 May 2023 Rising From the Ashes: A Memoir About Breaking Intergenerational Barriers For centuries on end, the Indigenous have been put through an endless cycle of abuse, discrimination, and societal neglect. Jesse Thistle’s memoir, From the Ashes, is an encapsulating novel that highlights the troubles surrounding intergenerational trauma, and the significant impact that it has on an Indigenous man’s life, namely Jesse’s life itself. Throughout his life, Jesse undergoes a series of traumatic events such as, living in extreme poverty, suffering with the detrimental effects of substance abuse, and the gradual loss of his identity as a member of the Indigenous community. Although, the many challenges that
Robin Bailey, an Indigenous girl and Daunis’s former hokey partner pass away due to meth addiction and her funeral is held at a church. Daunis says, “Her parents are Catholics who don’t follow Ojibwe traditions about the four-day journey. ” (Boulley, 287) In this quote, the intergenerational impact of colonization on Indigenous families can be seen on families such as Robin Bailey’s family, who no longer follow and believe in Ojibwe religion and traditions. It can be seen how their ancestors are traumatized by the colonizers through residential schools, where kids are abused in order to forget Indigenous culture and become Christians.
Tracey Lindberg’s novel Birdie is narratively constructed in a contorting and poetic manner yet illustrates the seriousness of violence experience by Indigenous females. The novel is about a young Cree woman Bernice Meetoos (Birdie) recalling her devasting past and visionary journey to places she has lived and the search for home and family. Lindberg captures Bernice’s internal therapeutic journey to recover from childhood traumas of incest, sexual abuse, and social dysfunctions. She also presents Bernice’s self-determination to achieve a standard of good health and well-being. The narrative presents Bernice for the most part lying in bed and reflecting on her dark life in the form of dreams.
Peace lies in tradition; a certain type of peace resides in the first scenes of Moon of the Crusted Snow. In this community one needs not a clock, for the breeze itself will whisper when it is time for supper. Over thousands of years, the Anishinaabe peoples know how to hear these words and listen. Evan knows to head home when “the chill in the air [tells] him that he should move quickly” (5). Still, on the way home he is able to observe the “deep orange glow coating the northern landscape as the sun [begins] to set, highlighting the deep evergreen of the pine and spruce trees that [tower] beyond the ridge” (5).
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese and Sufferance by Thomas King are two novels that tell stories about the Indigenous experience in Canada. Both books deal with similar themes that are developed through the use of key literary elements such as the concept of trauma and its lasting effects on individuals and communities, Identity, Cultural Heritage, Healing, Racism, and Discrimination, both novels approach these themes in different ways. Firstly in both Indian Horse and Sufferance one of the main topics is identity and the theme of struggling with fitting in society. Both books explore the notion of what it means to be Indigenous in a settler colonial society.
The book allows the reader to truly understand what Indigenous people went through in Canada’s past by looking at assimilation as a war and not just some event in history. Soldiers battled for their life on the front
In recent years, Canada has built a reputation for its diverse and accepting society, however, the racist and violent treatment towards different ethnic groups, specifically Indigenous communities, makes up a significant part of the country's history and continues to have an effect on today’s society. The novel, Indian Horse, written by Richard Wagamese, strives to prove how individuals who encounter racial abuse and stereotypes will face hardships in an attempt to live to their full potential. This point is exhibited through Saul’s harsh experience in Residential School, his hockey journey, and alcoholism struggle. SUBTOPIC: The first example of how racism and racial stereotypes prevent an individual from reaching their full potential
A difference in self-identity often causes conflict between individuals. Head cook at weddings and Funerals by Vi Plotnikoff demonstrates how differences in beliefs, values, future plans and different opinions can cause conflict between a family, community or individuals. Beliefs and values often differ between people, just as Marusa and Aunt Florence. Murusa is considered a perfect girl, she came from a profoundly traditional Doukhobor family. Marisa 's mother, Aunt Florence was a fairly traditional as well as having strong ties to the Doukhobor community.
For some of my family the search for individuality is an ongoing process. In fact, my family and the family in “Everyday Use” share similarities and differences when it comes to actions of young people, the treatment of children, and relationships between family members. Firstly, the young people in my family and in the short story share similarities and differences when it comes to our actions. Dee, known as Wangero, and I have some similarities.