Indian Horse By Richard Wagamese Sparknotes

One’s life must not be interfered with, especially one where it can cause generational traumas. Every individual experiences various kinds of obstacles in life and it can tremendously affect the way they grow up. Even so, one must need to adapt and overcome it through perseverance, or one will not be able to lead a fulfilling life. The novel Indian Horse written by Richard Wagamese depicts the idea of how an individual would need to survive many hardships to eventually cure the pain that the individual experiences. The concept of discrimination and how a person can gradually heal from it will be explored.

Discrimination is one of the many reasons that a person is unable to grow up with a healthy mindset. In Indian Horse, the unfortunate story

Canada is one of the countries that had residential schools which ran from the 17th century until the late 1990s (Government of Canada). Due to how the Europeans interpreted the lifestyle and culture of Native people, they discriminated against them, and wanted to assimilate them into being more, “white.” Children were forced to leave their homes against their will, then placed into residential schools where they were assaulted mentally, emotionally, physically, and sexually. They had no choice but to obey the inhumane rules of the schools. They were completely stripped from their culture and language. Speaking to a sibling in school was practically forbidden, as the schools are afraid of them communicating in their own language, which if they do and is caught by the teachers, they are beaten. All of the children from a variety of ages were brainwashed into thinking that their traditions and practices are bad, leading to an identity crisis. The statement, “It was odd to see the expressions of a grown man on a boy’s face,” (11) showcases the aftermath of when an individual

Countless numbers of Native individuals are traumatized and their unhealthy mindset and physical traits are typically passed on. Many of these Indigenous people probably do not even realize the harm that their actions cause to their future family members which is one of the root issues that makes people struggle to end the cycle of abuse. Thus, it is important for one to recognize their negative behaviours toward others. Fred mentioned that residential schools were not their fault, “We’re not responsible for what happened to us. None of us are,” (120) which is absolutely true, however, he also said, “But our healing—that’s up to us,” (120) and this further proves that in order to end the cycle of traumas, one should take the initiative. Sometimes how people turn out in life is not their fault, it is their environment that had affected their perspective on life. Although that does not mean the trauma and suffering need to continue. An individual can completely change their life and turn it around by acknowledging signs and symptoms that they experience (Healthline). Taking thing slowly and step by step will be less overwhelming. Getting help and guidance can really lead a person to the light of a tunnel. Rushing to heal will only cause more damage, therefore, if an individual like Saul were to gradually move towards a brighter path, it will prevent history from repeating itself. The result a person’s