Chapter Analysis Of Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese

Reese McKean Ms. Paulino.

17 May 2024 “To Be One with Aki” The novel Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese gives a unique perspective on Indigenous people. The novel is written from the character, Saul’s point of view. Therefore, through Saul’s eyes, his experience at a Canadian residential school and how it impacted his entire life is told. The first chapter introduces Saul and the setting. The story starts at The New Dawn Centre, a recovery program for addicts. Briefly, it explains how Saul ended up where he is and why he is the way he is. Then, some of the important themes of the novel are explained, including self-discovery in his thirties, pain/suffering and culture. In Chapter 1, Saul is in his thirties and staying at the New Dawn Centre. This is a

By telling their stories, they do so in search of inner peace. “I can’t understand where I’m going if I don't know where I’ve been.” (Wagamese 2) This quote indicates why Saul tells his story, even though it was written on paper. He is in search of his identity and throughout the novel, this journey will be shown. It takes a lot for someone to lose themselves. In Saul’s case, he needs to “sort out and sift through.” (Wagamese 3). His past is to know exactly why he came to be lost. Through subtle hints in the text, it’s shown that this cause of loss is “the white man”. It’s implied that his ancestors were once with Aki, yet after “stepp(ing) beyond the influence of their legends.” (Wagamese ) they were separated from their culture in assimilation. “Our people have rituals and ceremonies meant to bring us visions.” (Wagamese 5). In assimilation, Indigenous people lost connection with Aki and their overall culture. The quote brings up how cultural practices strengthen one culture. In the residential schools, their culture was now non-existent, pulling them away from their culture and Aki. The chapter begins with getting to know the protagonist, Saul. When getting to know him, we get to